The exhibition “Faith and Identity: Relics from the History Museum of Armenia” was officially inaugurated at the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation in Nicosia.

Initiated by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Cyprus, the exhibition is organised by the Byzantine Museum in cooperation with the History Museum of Armenia and the Armenian Prelacy of Cyprus.

The opening ceremony was attended and addressed by Archbishop Georgios of New Justiniana and All Cyprus, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina, Pontifical Vicar to the Armenian Prelacy in Cyprus Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, Representative of the Armenian Religious Group in the House of Representatives Vartkes Mahdessian, Director General of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation Christos Koukliotis, Director of the Byzantine Museum Ioannis Eliades, Director of the History Museum of Armenia Davit Poghosyan.

The event was also attended by representatives of Cypriot governmental institutions and parliament, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, clergy, representatives of the Armenian community, sponsors, and other distinguished guests.

In her remarks, Ambassador Inna Torgomyan emphasised that the exhibition represents much more than a presentation of historical treasures, serving as a dialogue between two ancient Christian cultures and a celebration of the enduring friendship between Armenia and Cyprus. She highlighted the significance of bringing together exceptional objects from the collection of the History Museum of Armenia, illustrating different chapters of the Armenian people’s spiritual, cultural history and traditions, alongside important examples of Armenian heritage preserved in Cyprus and provided by the Armenian Prelature.

The Ambassador expressed her sincere appreciation to all the institutions and individuals whose dedication and cooperation made the exhibition possible. The exhibition was sponsored by CDA Group, Arsen Theofanidis LLC and VISA Concord and Honorary Consul of Armenia in Cyprus.

The exhibition will remain on display at the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation in Nicosia for six months, until 9 April 2027.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone for an hour and a half in what Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov described as a “substantive, friendly” conversation.

Ushakov said in a video published on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel that the leaders discussed the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, the situation around Iran, and economic cooperation. The phone call took place on the evening of October 9, after Putin returned to Moscow from Turkmenistan.

“The rather substantive, I would say friendly, conversation lasted an hour and a half. Neither side wanted to be the first to hang up,” Ushakov said.

Regarding Ukraine, Ushakov said Putin told Trump that Russia would consider when it might be possible to resume trilateral Russia-Ukraine-U.S. negotiations. According to the Russian presidential aide, Putin linked the obstacle to an immediate resumption of negotiations to Ukrainian attacks during Russia’s parliamentary elections.

The leaders of the two countries also discussed preparations for major economic initiatives, including potential supplies of Russian petroleum products to U.S. and global markets.

Regarding Iran, Putin welcomed the ongoing dialogue between Washington and Tehran. According to Ushakov, Trump, in turn, welcomed Moscow’s involvement in resolving the situation around Iran.

Following the call, Trump separately said on social media that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to global markets in an effort to lower fuel prices, and his administration temporarily lifted US sanctions on Russian fuel that were designed to deprive Moscow of revenues for its ‌war on Ukraine, Reuters reported.

Prices for diesel, used for agriculture, heating homes and trucking, are near a record and risk for Trump’s fellow Republicans ahead of the November 3 congressional elections that will determine whether they maintain thin control of Congress. Diesel prices fell after the announcement, but analysts said the deal may not be enough to keep them down, according to Reuters.

Trump said on social media he had a “highly successful” discussion with President Vladimir Putin in which they agreed that Russia will immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets, equal to about 2.25 million barrels of fuel. The US exports about 1.5 million barrels of diesel per day.

“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter. Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel. Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST! Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority. This is a very big and important announcement. Additionally, it must be understood, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump said on Truth Social.

After the call, an envoy for Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, praised cooperation between Russia and the US in a post on X.

Dmitriev asked US officials during his visit to Washington last month for licenses to export diesel to the US market to ⁠be granted to all Russian major oil firms, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the situation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the deal, announced while a Ukrainian delegation was in the US to discuss how to seek a resolution of the war, as a “weak decision on the part of strong partners.”

“Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will ‘repay’ the diesel with further terror and perfidy,” he said on X.

The deal was also criticized by US lawmakers including Trump’s fellow Republican, Representative Don Bacon, who said it is time to apply more sanctions that Congress passed recently, not lift the measures.

The US Treasury Department issued a license allowing importation of Russian diesel until April 7.

Trump said Russia would supply another 500,000 tons in November and a further 1 million tons “immediately thereafter.” Even more would follow, Trump said, “based on the condition of their diesel refineries,” which have been damaged by Ukrainian attacks.

Diesel prices, which are often a big driver of inflation, are up 70% since the US and Israel launched the war with Iran on February 28. The wars in Iran and Ukraine have triggered a severe global fuel supply crunch, pushing average US diesel prices to $6.28 a gallon on Thursday, according to the AAA motorist group.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan traveled to Vayots Dzor Province on Saturday to attend the launch of operations at the Amulsar gold mine.

He posted a video on Facebook showing Cabinet members en route to the southeastern region by helicopter.

“We have arrived in Vayots Dzor region. The launch of operations at the Amulsar mine will take place,” Pashinyan wrote on Facebook.

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan, and Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence Davit Tadevosyan accompanied the Prime Minister on the visit.

The three communities near the Amulsar gold mine will receive $7–9 million annually, Gnel Sanosyan, the Armenian government’s representative on the board of directors of Lydian Armenia, the mine’s operator, has said.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the launch of operations at the Amulsar gold mine, Sanosyan said that Lydian Armenia has also committed to allocating $5 million toward the establishment of Jermuk National Park.

According to Sanosyan, the company, the Government and the three affected communities — Jermuk, Vayk and Sisian — recently clarified the terms for implementing the community support program.

“Not only was it clarified that the communities would receive $7 million to $9 million annually, but the program’s methodology, areas of focus and working format were also clarified. We believe this is extremely important,” Sanosyan said.

He emphasized the involvement of regional administrations and municipal authorities in the joint work, highlighting the importance of the agreements reached for the development of the communities in the coming years.

Addressing environmental matters, Sanosyan said that the national park establishment project was already underway to some extent. According to him, the company’s planned $5 million contribution would go toward the initiative, which covers numerous important environmental areas.

Sanosyan also thanked the government agencies and partners involved in implementing the project, noting that the launch of operations at the mine had been preceded by extensive work, numerous difficulties and problems that had at times seemed insurmountable.

“Our goal is to set an entirely new standard for mining in Armenia. I am confident that our team is determined to make this happen, and we will do so,” he concluded.

The Amulsar project will bring new economic opportunities to nearby communities while demonstrating that mining and tourism can coexist without harming nature, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan said Saturday.

“I want to emphasize that this is a very good opportunity for our partners at Amulsar, those responsible for the mining sector, and each of us to show and prove that mining and tourism can operate side by side without interfering with each other or harming nature. I am confident that, as a result of our joint efforts, this is exactly what we will achieve,” Khudatyan said.

The minister also addressed the opportunities that the mine’s operation would create for communities in the neighboring areas of Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces.

“First and foremost, these include thousands of well-paid jobs and stable contributions to communities that will significantly transform the character of settlements near the mine,” he stressed.

According to Khudatyan, the project’s economic impact will also be felt by people living far from the mine. He linked the anticipated changes to schools, kindergartens, roads, other major infrastructure projects and social programs funded by tax revenues.

Congratulating those present on the launch, Khudatyan wished the mine operators productive and trouble-free work.

The Amulsar gold mine is expected to generate $130 million annually in taxes, duties and royalties for Armenia’s state budget and could boost the country’s GDP by around 1.5% per year, while also setting new standards for the mining industry, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said Saturday.

Speaking at the launch ceremony for operations at the Amulsar mine, Papoyan said more than $750 million had been invested in the project, with production of more than 210,000 ounces of gold planned during the operational phase.

“According to our calculations, taxes, duties and royalties alone will amount to $130 million in payments to the state budget. In addition, of course, the government owns 12.5% of this project, meaning that we have a stake. This is also important,” Papoyan said.

He described the project as an important example of public-private cooperation, emphasizing the opportunity to organize production in Armenia in line with international standards while also meeting environmental requirements.

According to Papoyan, the significance of the Amulsar gold mine project extends beyond investment and tax revenues.

“This is not simply a story about major investments, many jobs and substantial tax revenues. It is also a story about standards, a story about mining standards,” the minister stressed.

He said the environment created through the project had brought new brands, standards and a business culture to Armenia, creating development opportunities for other sectors of the economy as well.

Referring to support for communities, Papoyan recalled the memorandum signed at the Ministry of Economy, under which the mine’s operator, Lydian Armenia, will provide support to communities, making their residents direct beneficiaries of the project as well.

“I think and am confident that, as a result, not only will thousands of direct and indirect jobs be created, but an economic engine will also emerge that will open up a new path for the entire region, particularly for Vayk, Jermuk and Sisian,” Papoyan said.

The minister thanked everyone who had participated in implementing the project, emphasizing that the process had not been easy.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the launch of operations at the Amulsar gold mine on Saturday alongside government officials and hailed the project as an important step for the development of Armenia’s mining industry, investment climate and economy.

In his speech at the launch ceremony, Pashinyan emphasized that the project’s benefits must be reflected in citizens’ welfare.

Addressing environmental concerns, he said that dozens of consultations had been held with his participation to examine various reports, adding that going through this process was important to establishing confidence in the project.

Pashinyan said the government had considered it important to address public concerns and ensure that citizens also considered the project their own.

He described it as a partnership among investors, local organizations, the government and the public.

“Let us finally state that the mineral resources that turned into gold before our eyes today belong to the Republic of Armenia and are the property of the people of the Republic of Armenia. And it has been of utmost importance to us to demonstrate that this wealth will serve the development and prosperity of the Republic of Armenia,” the Prime Minister said.

Pashinyan also emphasized the project’s success in terms of attracting new investments.

“Of course, the fate of this investment project will be very significant in bringing in new investment projects of this kind. And I think that in this regard, we can state that we have achieved success,” he said.

Addressing the project’s economic significance, Pashinyan highlighted the importance of importing modern equipment and creating jobs requiring specialized qualifications. He said that operating and maintaining the technological chain requires professional training, creating opportunities for higher wages and improved welfare.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the project’s social responsibility, referring to the support that operator Lydian Armenia will provide to nearby communities. He recalled that the government holds a 12.5% stake in the project, describing it as an additional form of public participation.

Pashinyan said the project’s economic impact should not be limited to statistical indicators. Behind those figures, he said, there should be people with jobs, improved communities, and roads, schools and other public services financed through additional budget revenues.

He also highlighted the possibility of applying the technological standards of the Amulsar project at other mining companies and in other projects.

“I hope and am confident that in the near future, such steps will become routine and part of our everyday life. And when we speak of a major step, in the future we will mean even bigger projects,” Pashinyan concluded.

Mayor Tigran Avinyan has congratulated residents on Yerevan Day and invited them to take part in events being held across the capital with their families and friends.

“Dear residents, happy Yerevan Day! Today, Yerevan welcomes us with wonderful sunny weather, and there will be festivals, events for children, plenty of music and a great atmosphere in different parts of the city,” Avinyan said in a video message posted on his Facebook page.

Both local artists and performers from abroad are taking part in the events.

“Come out into the city with your families, children and friends, and let’s enjoy this beautiful day together. See you in Yerevan,” he concluded.

As part of the Erebuni-Yerevan 2808 celebrations, concerts and festivals are being held in various administrative districts of the capital on October 9-10. The festivities will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display at Victory Park at 10:45 pm on October 10.

This year’s celebrations mark the 2,808th anniversary of Yerevan, traced to 782 BC, when King Argishti I founded the fortress of Erebuni.

The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, an agency of the Department of Defense, has expressed readiness to support Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) in improving border guard training programs and training instructors, the NSS said in a statement.

On September 24, the head and personnel of the NSS Scientific-Educational Center met with a delegation led by Antje Fritz, Deputy Head of the Europe and Asia Division at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) and head of DCAF’s support program in Armenia. On September 30, a meeting was held with a delegation led by Stephanie Pennington, Caucasus Regional Programs Manager at the Directorate of Global Threat Reduction of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Issues related to state border protection and the professional training of border guards were discussed.

Modern training methods, international cooperation, and the establishment of an educational system for the NSS Border Guard Troops in line with international standards were emphasized.

“During the meeting with the American side, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of further support for implementing training and retraining programs for the NSS Border Guard Troops of Armenia within the framework of cooperation with the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The American side expressed readiness to support the National Security Service in revising and improving border guard training programs, as well as retraining instructors,” the NSS statement said.

During the meeting with representatives of the DCAF, the importance of DCAF’s expertise and cooperation in organizing training for border guard troops and personnel engaged in operational intelligence activities was emphasized.

The NSS also reported that in September, a delegation comprising staff from the Border Guard Troops and the Scientific-Educational Center visited Finland on a study trip. The visit was organized with the support of the International Organization for Migration’s Mission in Armenia as part of the “Strengthening the Capacities of the Armenian Authorities in the Field of Border Security and Crime Prevention” program.

The delegation visited Finland’s Border and Coast Guard Academy and familiarized itself with its structure and training process. The staff also visited sections of the state border and Helsinki International Airport, where they studied operational procedures for border control.