Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry and Artificial Intelligence David Tadevosyan is participating in the first High-Level Connectivity Platform Meeting on Digital, held on November 9-10 in Moldova’s capital, Chișinău. Deputy Minister Gevorg Mantashyan is accompanying the minister.

The meeting aims to bring together ministers responsible for digital transformation from European Union member states, the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus, Türkiye and Central Asia, as well as representatives of international financial institutions and the private sector, to discuss prospects for developing regional digital connectivity, opportunities for cooperation and joint initiatives, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

High-level discussions were held as part of the event on developing digital connectivity along the Trans-Caspian Corridor and strengthening regional cooperation.

The agenda includes issues related to infrastructure and regulatory connectivity, the development of regional digital infrastructure, ensuring secure digital communications, developing artificial intelligence ecosystems and establishing trusted digital infrastructure.

Ministerial discussions and panel discussions on artificial intelligence were also held, addressing opportunities for regional cooperation and priorities for the development of the digital sector.

The first High-Level Connectivity Platform Meeting on Digital was jointly organized by the European Commission and Moldova’s Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization.

The 20th jubilee session of the Council of Ministers of Justice of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states has kicked off in Yerevan.

The meeting is attended by Armenian Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan, Belarusian Minister of Justice Yevgeny Kovalenko (via video link), First Deputy Minister of Justice of Kyrgyzstan Saira Yzakova, Russian Minister of Justice Konstantin Chuychenko, Tajikistan’s Minister of Justice Muzaffar Ashuriyon, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Justice Akbar Tashkulov, Executive Secretary of the CIS Council of Ministers of Justice Irina Tselikovets, as well as heads of key organizations in the justice sector of CIS member states.

Welcoming the participants, Armenian Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan emphasized the importance of this platform for Armenia and noted that the meeting is also significant because it is being held in the year marking the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

“It is a great honor to host the participants of this anniversary meeting. Over the 35 years of the CIS’s existence, an extensive legal and treaty framework has been established. More than 560 international agreements are currently in force, while the unified register of legal acts contains more than 7,000 documents covering various fields. The CIS Interparliamentary Assembly has developed and adopted more than 400 model laws and recommendations. Mutual legal assistance mechanisms are being improved, and cooperation in the fields of notarial services and legal professional activities is also being strengthened. One year ago, our Council met in Minsk. Today, we can state with satisfaction that the agreements reached as a result of that meeting have been successfully implemented. I am confident that today’s dialogue will help identify promising areas for further cooperation,” Galyan said.

Belarusian Minister of Justice Yevgeny Kovalenko said that December will mark a significant and truly historic milestone: the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

“The signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of the CIS on December 8, 1991, opened a new chapter in the lives of our countries. Today, the Commonwealth stands as an unquestionably key regional organization in the post-Soviet space. Today, more than ever, CIS member states are interested in mutual support and active cooperation, using the formats offered by the Commonwealth to strengthen integration and promote the development of our countries. For us, as members of the Council, cooperation in the field of justice is of particular importance, as it is currently developing dynamically. The annual work plans of the Council clearly demonstrate this. They traditionally include dozens of joint forums, dialogue platforms, meetings, working groups and working bodies. The visit is packed with a variety of events, offering ample opportunities to exchange experience and best practices in the development of the justice sector. I am confident that close cooperation in the field of justice will help strengthen the foundations of fraternal ties among our peoples and serve our common goal of ensuring the best possible quality of life for our citizens,” Kovalenko said.

First Deputy Minister of Justice of Kyrgyzstan Saira Yzakova noted that a common legal space, mutual trust and respect for national legal systems constitute important foundations for cooperation.

“Today, amid rapid social and technological changes, it is particularly important not only to preserve the results already achieved but also to respond proactively to new challenges. We have broad opportunities for cooperation, ranging from introducing modern digital solutions into the work of justice authorities to improving legal mechanisms aimed at developing the probation system and ensuring access to legal assistance for citizens. I am confident that initiatives aimed at strengthening information exchange with the participation of the Ministry of Justice, as well as improving the legal culture and legal literacy of our citizens, will occupy a special place on our joint agenda. I am confident that the strength of our cooperation lies in our willingness to listen to one another, combine our professional expertise and turn common ideas into concrete results. May today’s meeting serve as yet another confirmation of our commitment to constructive dialogue and strengthening cooperation in the interests of our states and citizens,” Yzakova said.

Russian Minister of Justice Konstantin Chuychenko noted that the event is taking place in the year of the CIS’s 35th anniversary, an important and significant milestone.

“Although our countries also seek to cooperate within other integration formats, it is precisely the CIS that reminds us of the unprecedented level of historical, cultural, legal and humanitarian interconnectedness and commonality that we have inherited from our Soviet past. At the same time, we view cooperation within the CIS as a strategic means of transforming this common heritage into a resource for constructive, sovereign and mutually beneficial development in the legal sphere. Guided by these goals, we must acknowledge today that the long-term effectiveness of the CIS Council of Ministers of Justice will depend on our readiness to address new challenges and reach coordinated decisions on resolving them. We must act as architects of a unified, secure and technologically advanced legal space for cooperation, aimed at strengthening the rule of law and protecting the rights of our citizens. We are confident that today’s event will enable us to make significant progress in this direction,” Chuychenko said.

Tajikistan’s Minister of Justice Muzaffar Ashuriyon noted that the meeting is an important platform for exchanging views, discussing pressing issues and developing coordinated approaches to addressing common challenges.

“I am confident that open dialogue, mutual respect and commitment to effective cooperation will enable us to strengthen existing partnerships and give new impetus to our joint efforts,” Ashuriyon said.

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Justice Akbar Tashkulov also expressed satisfaction that the meeting marking the 20th anniversary of the Council of Ministers of Justice is taking place in a symbolic year marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

“Over these years, the Council has become a reliable platform for trust-based relations and the exchange of experience among our countries. Uzbekistan remains committed to actively participating in joint efforts to harmonize legislation, develop mutual legal assistance and exchange best practices. I am confident that today’s meeting will mark a new step toward strengthening legal cooperation within the CIS,” Tashkulov said.

The agenda of the 20th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Justice of CIS member states includes 14 items, including reports on the results of Armenia’s chairmanship and the progress in implementing decisions adopted at previous Council meetings. Discussion of these issues will make it possible to assess the work carried out and determine further steps toward implementing the agreements reached.

In addition, the agenda includes an exchange of views on the regulation of specific areas of activity of the ministries of justice. Draft decisions have been prepared for all agenda items and submitted for adoption. The draft decisions were previously provided to the relevant agencies and coordinated following expert consultations.

CIS member states’ justice ministers signed a number of cooperation documents at the Council’s meeting in Yerevan, and the parties will work in the coming period to improve cooperation between civil registry offices and advance their digitalization, Armenian Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan said during a press briefing following the 20th jubilee session of the Council of Justice Ministers of CIS Member States in Yerevan. 

“During the meeting, we discussed the work carried out by us so far and outlined further areas of cooperation. Cooperation is also expected in a number of other areas. We also need to work on addressing relations related to legal assistance and requests for necessary documents in the digital sphere. The scope of work in 2027 will be quite substantial. We have outlined all possible areas, ranging from the exchange of experience to the creation of unified databases,” Galyan said.

Armenia has not submitted an official application to withdraw from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) or the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

“No such application has been received, nor has an application to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union been received,” he said, responding to a question about Armenia’s possible withdrawal from the CSTO at a press briefing following a joint meeting of the CSTO Councils of Foreign Ministers and Defense Ministers and the Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils.

Lavrov also said that a draft decision would be discussed at the CSTO summit scheduled to take place in Moscow on November 11. The draft proposes depriving Armenia of its voting rights in the organization’s bodies and suspending the right to nominate Armenian citizens for quota-based positions until Armenia fully repays its outstanding membership fees. According to him, even if the draft is adopted, Armenia will retain the fundamental rights provided for by the Collective Security Treaty, including the right to collective security.

Armenia announced in February 2024 that it was freezing its participation in the CSTO’s activities. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a press briefing days ago that Armenia’s interests related to the CSTO had been exhausted. During the same briefing, he said that Armenia did not intend to withdraw from the EAEU.

Pashinyan also cited 2027 or 2028 as a realistic timeframe for Armenia to submit an official application to join the European Union.

First President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan has been discharged from hospital following a successful surgery.

Announcing the former president’s discharge from hospital, his spokesperson, Arman Musinyan, did not specify what procedure he had undergone.

“Today, the founding president of independent Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, was discharged from Best Life Hospital following a successful surgery,” Musinyan said in a social media post.

Earlier, on October 26, the spokesperson had reported that Levon Ter-Petrosyan had visited the Best Life hospital for a routine examination.

The Armenian Culture Days in Russia have opened in Moscow with a concert by Armenia’s State Dance Ensemble Barekamutyun (Friendship).

Speaking to Armenpress, the ensemble’s Artistic Director and Chief Ballet Master, Zohrab Bakalyan, said the initiative is important primarily for promoting the rich traditions of Armenian dance art beyond the homeland.

“It is a great honor for us to perform before Russian audiences as part of the Armenian Culture Days. It is a double honor that the program opened with our performance. I believe we had a wonderful concert, thereby adding an important stone to the wall of cultural dialogue. The continuity of such events is necessary because state cultural ensembles represent Armenia abroad. Our ensemble, meanwhile, skillfully presents not only Armenian dances but also dances of various nations, as well as modern dances. I am confident that every audience member present today took home a part of our culture,” Zohrab Bakalyan said.

According to the ensemble’s Artistic Director, they too are returning to their homeland with very strong impressions.

YEREVAN, 10 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 10 November, USD exchange rate stood at 360.43 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.19 drams to 404.55 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0208 drams to 4.3579 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.4 drams to 484.06 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 781 drams to 47708 drams. Silver price up by 7.01 drams to 609.82 drams.

In celebration of Freedom 250, U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Griffin Rozell and Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Alfred Kocharyan joined the launch of a $166,000 U.S.-funded project to renovate and preserve the Khoren Der-Harootian Memorial Museum in Vagharshapat, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia said in a press release.  

Supported through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), the project will help safeguard the artistic legacy of Armenian-American modernist artist Khoren Der-Harootian and improve public access to his works. 

The project will support renovation of the museum building, restoration of its two exhibition floors, and improvements to the preservation and display conditions of its collection.  These efforts will help ensure the long-term protection of the museum’s 261 artworks and provide an improved environment for visitors to experience the artist’s work. 

In recognition of Freedom 250 and America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s AFCP projects focus on cultural heritage sites with a direct connection to the United States.  The Khoren Der-Harootian Memorial Museum reflects this focus, highlighting the contributions of an Armenian-American artist and the cultural ties between the United States and Armenia. 

The new initiative builds on more than two decades of U.S. support for Armenia’s cultural heritage.  Since 2005, the United States has allocated approximately $1.84 million to 16 cultural preservation projects in Armenia through AFCP, helping protect historic monuments, archaeological sites, works of art, and cultural traditions. 

Previous U.S.-supported projects include: 

St. Hovhannes Church in Meghri:  Preservation of the medieval church and restoration of its historic frescoes. 

Yereruyk Basilica:  Conservation of the fifth-century basilica in Shirak Province and preservation of its historical setting. 

Dashtadem Fortress:  Preservation and stabilization of medieval fortifications and structures within the complex. 

Sanahin Monastery Complex:  Conservation of historic churches, memorials, and other monuments in the eastern section of the medieval complex. 

Areni Cave:  Preservation of the archaeological site and its ancient cultural layers, along with improvements to protect the site. 

Historic Murals in Gyumri:  Preservation of works by Armenian artists Rafayel Atoyan and Hakob Hakobyan. 

Established by the U.S. Department of State in 2001, the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation supports the preservation of significant cultural heritage around the world.  In Armenia, the program reflects the longstanding partnership between the United States and Armenia and their shared commitment to protecting the country’s cultural treasures.

Türkiye has completed preparations to open its road and rail border crossings with Armenia, the APA news agency reported, citing Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.

The minister said the necessary work had been completed to open both the Margara–Alican road crossing and the railway crossing. He said he had discussed the matter with his Armenian counterpart.

Armenia, for its part, has completed the renovation and re-equipping of the Margara road crossing. In August 2026, State Revenue Committee Chairman Eduard Hakobyan said the crossing was ready to become operational.

The second Verelk theatre festival, which had hosted theatre companies from Yerevan and other Armenian cities in Armavir since 3 November, closed with The Final Stop, a production by Vanadzor’s Bohem Chamber Theatre directed by Sergey Yeghikyan.

The Final Stop tells the story of a family who emigrated from Armenia and now live in the United States. Before his death, the father expresses his final wish: to be buried in his homeland.

After his death, the mother and son find themselves at odds. The mother wants to honour her husband’s final wish and take his remains to Armenia, but her son opposes the move and faces a difficult choice between his homeland, memory and his own life.

The play raises questions about leaving and returning to one’s homeland, family, memory, loss and people’s ties to their national roots.

The theatre said the production was warmly received.