The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 7 May, USD exchange rate down by 0.72 drams to 369.28 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.63 drams to 434.49 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.0112 drams to 4.9452 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.61 drams to 502.96 drams.

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

Gold price up by 1438 drams to 55883 drams. 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted a delegation led by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, who arrived in Armenia on an official visit.

Pashinyan welcomed the Latvian president’s visit to Armenia and thanked Latvia for supporting Armenia’s bid to host the European Political Community Summit.

“First of all, I would like to thank you and Latvia for supporting our candidacy to host the European Political Community Summit, which was truly a historic event for Armenia. The first Armenia-EU summit also took place, which was very important. We see and feel Latvia’s growing support for our democracy, reform agenda and deepening cooperation with the EU,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan said Armenia highly appreciates Latvia’s support and added that Rinkēvičs’ visit was another manifestation of the deepening bilateral and multilateral relations between the two countries.

The Latvian president thanked the Armenian side for the warm hospitality and recalled that he had previously visited Armenia in 2015 as Latvia’s foreign minister.

“I was surprised to learn that this is the first presidential-level visit since 2009, after 17 years. Let me say that we consider Armenia a very good friend and partner, both in terms of bilateral cooperation and within the framework of Armenia-EU partnership. We welcome your decision to embark on the European path, and you can fully rely on us,” Rinkēvičs said, conveying the greetings of Latvia’s prime minister to Pashinyan.

The sides discussed the development of trade and economic ties and the expansion of cooperation in various fields, including tourism and education.

They also touched upon the development of Armenia-EU relations, emphasizing the importance of the first Armenia-EU summit and progress toward visa liberalization.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and other regional issues. 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Janez Lenarčič, Head of the OSCE ODIHR Observation Mission in Armenia.

The interlocutors touched upon issues related to the organization of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia, the PM’s Office said in a readout.

Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the Government has taken all steps to organize and conduct the elections in a free, fair and transparent manner, adding that equal conditions have been created for all participating political forces. The Prime Minister attached importance to the effective implementation of election observation missions, emphasizing that all opportunities are available for this. At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasized that since 2018, elections in Armenia have been held in a free, fair and transparent manner, and expressed confidence that the upcoming elections will also meet democratic standards.

According to Janez Lenarčič, there is great interest in the Armenian elections among OSCE member states, a large observation delegation has been sent to Armenia, whose members will be deployed throughout the republic. He expressed hope that the elections will be held at a high level and in accordance with international standards.

Armenia has been granted observer status in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) during a summit of parliamentary leaders held in Budva.

Hakob Arshakyan, Vice-President of the National Assembly of Armenia, took part in the first summit of speakers of parliaments from PAM member and partner states, held on 7–8 May as part of the Assembly’s 20th plenary session, Armenia’s parliament said in a statement.

A formal ceremony was held on the sidelines of the summit to confer observer status on Armenia within the organisation.

A document signed by Arshakyan and PAM President Giulio Centemero reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly and Armenia’s National Assembly to maintain and deepen cooperation. The agreement aims to promote shared values and objectives in the Euro-Mediterranean and Gulf regions, as well as beyond.

Addressing the summit, Arshakyan delivered a speech on “Parliamentary diplomacy as a pillar of democratic resilience”.

He also held brief exchanges with counterparts from several countries.

The summit brought together parliamentary delegations from member and partner states, represented at the level of speakers, deputy speakers and other senior officials.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has informed President Vahagn Khachaturyan that he will go on leave starting May 8 to participate in the pre-election campaign.

During a meeting with the president, Pashinyan said his vacation would be interrupted only on May 28 due to official obligations related to the state holiday.Pashinyan said the authorities’ most important task is to ensure the free _expression_ of the will of Armenia’s citizens, as well as fair competition of political ideas during the campaign.

He also thanked the president for supporting the reform process and said the authorities would continue efforts to ensure that citizens receive complete information needed to make informed decisions during the elections.

Khachaturyan thanked the prime minister for the information and noted concerns over the fact that the head of government and several cabinet members would go on leave to participate in the campaign, adding that this is in line with the law. The president said that the authorities had done everything necessary to ensure transparent and credible elections.“There has been no doubt about the elections held since 2018, but I would particularly highlight the 2021 snap elections, when the people renewed their trust in the government,” Khachaturyan said.

He said the government had carried out significant reforms over the past five years, citing economic indicators, growth in housing construction and the expansion of business activity as evidence of progress.

Khachaturyan also said inequality in the country had decreased and attributed this to the functioning of state institutions and the rule of law.He wished success to all political forces participating in the elections within the framework of the law and expressed confidence that “democracy will win in the Republic of Armenia.”

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health announced on Thursday evening that the death toll from the Israeli aggression on Lebanon has risen to 2,727.

“The total death toll since the military escalation began on March 2 has reached 2,727, with 8,438 injured,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X.