Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan, being on a working visit to Istanbul to participate in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), had a meeting with the Vice-President of the European Parliament Nicolae Ștefănuță, the Parliament’s press service said in a readout.

The interlocutors discussed the cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the European Parliament, the Armenia-EU relations and issues regarding the ongoing democratic reforms in Armenia.

Reference was also made to the regional developments.

Simonyan drew the attention of the Vice President of the European Parliament to the problem of the captives being Azerbaijan, illegally held and considered missing persons.

The Customs Service of the State Revenue Committee of Armenia and the Ministry of Economy have released data on the volume of Russian and Kazakh goods imported to Armenia via Azerbaijani territory.

The figures pertain to the period from the opening of the route in November last year until April 15, 2026.

Data were also published on Azerbaijani imports to Armenia via Georgian territory.

The cargo passes through Georgian territory, as the direct rail connection between Armenia and Azerbaijan has not yet been restored.

In response to an inquiry by Armenpress, the State Revenue Committee and the Ministry of Economy said in a joint statement that 26,295 tons of goods were transported to Armenia from Russia and Kazakhstan via Azerbaijan, while 9,337 tons of fuel were imported from Azerbaijan. The statement stressed that the “results of regional cooperation and the establishment of peace are already tangible, creating new opportunities for economic development.”

According to the data, goods were transported to the Republic of Armenia via the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan by railway transit for the first time on November 6, 2025.

The shipments from Russia and Kazakhstan included 24,865 tons of wheat, 1,362 tons of fertilizer, and 68 tons of buckwheat groats.

Meanwhile, from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgia, 9,337 tons of Azerbaijani-origin fuel were imported by rail between December 2025 and April 15, 2026, with a total customs value of USD 7.2 million, including 5,398 tons of diesel fuel worth USD 4.3 million and 3,939 tons of gasoline worth USD 2.9 million, the statement said.

A commemorative ceremony marking the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was held in the French commune of Bagneux, Hauts-de-Seine.

The ceremony took place in front of the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, located in Kirovakan Park, the Embassy of Armenia in France said in a press release.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial by Bagneux Mayor Hélène Cillières, Counselor of the Armenian Embassy in France Gayane Manukyan, members of the Hauts-de-Seine Department Council and the Bagneux Municipal Council, as well as representatives of Armenian community organizations.

Speeches were delivered by Mayor Hélène Cillières and Embassy Counselor Gayane Manukyan.

The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 17 April, USD exchange rate down by 0.35 drams to 373.81 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 440.91 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0013 drams to 4.8999 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.26 drams to 505.58 drams.

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

Gold price down by 410 drams to 57611 drams. 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received NVIDIA Vice President Rev Lebaredian, Chairman of the Board of Integra Technologies Zaven Akian, and ServiceTitan President Vahe Kuzoyan.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office readout, the parties discussed the activities of these companies in Armenia, as well as ongoing programs and upcoming projects.

The technology executives noted that, thanks to the favorable conditions created by the Armenian Government, their companies are operating successfully in the country and plan to expand their activities.

Pashinyan welcomed the initiative to implement new projects and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation. It was also noted that the Firebird company’s project to build an artificial intelligence factory and data center in Armenia is progressing successfully.

The meeting also touched upon Armenia–Diaspora relations, the development of Armenia–United States cooperation, and opportunities to attract new investments.

The Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon continues to operate in emergency mode, providing necessary consultation and consular services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The embassy’s hotlines remain active: +961 3 157 305 and +961 3 536 041. The ministry said that Lebanon’s airspace is open and direct Beirut–Yerevan flights operate twice a week.

According to the statement, regular meetings are being held with Armenian citizens in Lebanon to discuss potential challenges arising from ongoing developments and to provide additional assistance as needed.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry welcomed the 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, achieved through the mediation efforts of Donald Trump, describing it as an important step toward de-escalation.

The ministry expressed hope that the development will contribute to comprehensive and sustainable peace in the region, with respect for the territorial integrity of all parties.

The house arrest of Strong Armenia party leader Samvel Karapetyan has been extended for another three months.

Marianna Ghahramanyan, spokesperson for the Strong Armenia party, told Armenpress.