As Armenia pursues export diversification, an Armenian-Polish business forum was held in Yerevan to explore potential new markets for Armenian goods.

The founder and CEO of the Polish freight forwarding company “HayWay Group,” Artur Lewandowski, told Armenpress that practical contacts have been established between Armenian and Polish businesspeople, which will help strengthen bilateral economic relations.

“Negotiations are currently underway, and one of the practical steps will be that, at the end of June, 20 trucks loaded with Armenian apricots will go to Poland. Work is being done to obtain the necessary certificates so that the goods can be exported to Poland as soon as possible. We will start with apricot exports,” Lewandowski said.

Russia has been imposing growing restrictions on Armenian goods such as fruits and vegetables, prompting exporters to look for new markets. The EU has announced a support package, including €50 million in financial assistance, as well as additional measures aimed at expanding export markets for Armenian products.

The business forum brought together leading business representatives from both countries to strengthen economic, investment, and infrastructure cooperation between Armenia and Europe. The event, organized by several business organizations, hosted a 40-member Polish delegation visiting Armenia for five days, representing major international companies and sectors. Participants discussed expanding trade opportunities, including access to European markets for Armenian products. The forum also featured speeches by business and government representatives, highlighting the importance of deeper bilateral cooperation, and concluded with the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Armenian and Polish business communities.

The Bridge of Business: Armenia & Poland forum was jointly organized by the Mantashyants Business Club, the Polish company “HayWay Group,” and Employers of Poland, and was held within the framework of the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) initiative, which aims to develop new and efficient trade routes connecting China and Europe, expand access for Armenian products to European markets, deepen Armenia–Europe economic ties, and explore the development potential of regional infrastructure and railway projects.

The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 9 June, USD exchange rate down by 0.08 drams to 368.45 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.42 drams to 426.15 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.0966 drams to 5.1181 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.95 drams to 493.61 drams.

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

Gold price down by 539 drams to 51182 drams.

The Anti-Corruption Committee announced on Tuesday that since February 7, 2026, it has initiated 115 criminal proceedings in connection with alleged corruption-related electoral offenses.

Of these, 77 cases (67%) are related to the Strong Armenia alliance, 24 cases (20.8%) to the Prosperous Armenia party, and 11 cases (9.6%) to the Armenia alliance, according to the law enforcement agency’s press release.

In 61 criminal proceedings, charges have been brought against 242 individuals. Fifty-two individuals are held in detention, while house arrest has been imposed on 48 individuals.

Alternative measures of restraint have been applied to 120 suspects: 20 individuals (8.2%) are under administrative supervision, and 100 individuals (41%) are under a travel ban.

Nineteen individuals are wanted, and 14 criminal cases involving 54 persons have been completed with indictments pending trial.

Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, has congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections. The British official noted that the United Kingdom is ready to continue cooperation with Armenia’s new government.

“Congratulations to Nikol Pashinyan on your election victory. The UK looks forward to working with the new, democratically elected Armenian government to deliver on our Strategic Partnership, strengthen regional stability, and develop closer relations with partners in Europe,” Doughty wrote on his X account.

Parliamentary elections were held in Armenia on 7 June. According to preliminary results, three political forces have secured seats in parliament: the Civil Contract party, with 727,827 votes, or 49.825 per cent, which on the strength of its result will hold a parliamentary majority and form a government; the Strong Armenia alliance, with 340,088 votes, or 23.281 per cent; and the Armenia Alliance, with 145,113 votes, or 9.934 per cent. According to preliminary data, the Prosperous Armenia party is also very close to the four per cent threshold required to enter parliament, having received 3.996 per cent. The party had already announced that it would apply to the Central Electoral Commission for a recount at a number of polling stations. Other political forces had also called for a recount.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has described as “unacceptable” and “wrong” the conditions put forward by European countries for mediation efforts aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“As for the Europeans’ mediating role, they are probably far from being ready to act as mediators. First of all, launching mediation efforts while imposing any conditions on Russia is probably illogical, wrong and, of course, unacceptable for us,” the Russian president’s press secretary said at a press briefing.

“The main point is that, so far, we see that the Europeans are much more focused on continuing the war than on peace negotiations,” the Kremlin spokesman stated.

On June 7, following a meeting in London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement outlining five conditions for achieving a just and lasting peace in the war with Russia.

Armenia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria Tsovinar Hambardzumyan attended the gala awards ceremony of the fifth Golden FEMI International Film Festival in Sofia on June 6.

During the ceremony, the ambassador accepted an award on behalf of young Armenian film director Milena Hovhannisyan, which was presented to her by the festival’s international jury for the documentary film “Spiritual Strength.”

The Golden FEMI Film Festival is an international cultural event dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, social engagement, the achievements of women in cinema, as well as support for vulnerable groups in society and the values of human dignity and solidarity.

The documentary “Spiritual Strength” tells the inspiring story of a man who lost both of his hands in a tragic accident. Faced with enormous challenges, the film’s protagonist overcame them through resilience, creativity and determination, continuing to make a significant contribution to society as an inventor and innovator.

The film received this high recognition for its powerful human message and artistic value.

In addition to Armenia, films representing Argentina, Indonesia, Poland, Lebanon, Cyprus, Mongolia and Morocco also received awards.

Ambassador Hambardzumyan thanked the festival organisers, in particular festival president Efemia Fard, for creating this important platform for intercultural dialogue. She also highlighted the important role of cinema in promoting universal values, mutual understanding and respect for human dignity.

The ambassador further stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Bulgaria, noting that artistic and cultural exchanges continue to strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

The Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Bulgaria warmly congratulated Milena Hovhannisyan on receiving this prestigious award and wished her continued success in her future creative endeavours.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections held on 7 June.

The Bulgarian government’s press service announced the news.

“I congratulate Nikol Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on 7 June,” the message reads.

The Bulgarian prime minister also expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries would continue to develop.

“I look forward to close cooperation between Bulgaria and Armenia to further strengthen our excellent relations in all areas of mutual interest,” Radev said.

Parliamentary elections were held in Armenia on 7 June. According to preliminary results, three political forces have secured seats in parliament: the Civil Contract party, with 727,827 votes, or 49.825 per cent, which on the strength of its result will hold a parliamentary majority and form a government; the Strong Armenia alliance, with 340,088 votes, or 23.281 per cent; and the Armenia Alliance, with 145,113 votes, or 9.934 per cent. According to preliminary data, the Prosperous Armenia party is also very close to the four per cent threshold required to enter parliament, having received 3.996 per cent. The party had already announced that it would apply to the Central Electoral Commission for a recount at a number of polling stations. Other political forces had also called for a recount.

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov has sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the victory of his party in Armenia’s parliamentary elections.

According to the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office, the message reads:

“On behalf of the people of the Kyrgyz Republic and personally on my own behalf, I sincerely congratulate you and the party you lead on your victory in the parliamentary elections held in the Republic of Armenia.

This victory confirms that the people of the Republic of Armenia support the country’s continued stable development, the continuity of reforms, and the strengthening of state institutions.

The Kyrgyz Republic highly values the interstate relations and cooperation established with the Republic of Armenia, which are based on the principle of mutual respect, and expresses its readiness to further strengthen Kyrgyz-Armenian cooperation in the political, trade-economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

I wish you good health and continued success in your public service, and peace and prosperity to the people of the Republic of Armenia.”

Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his victory in the parliamentary elections. In a post published on its official X account, the Albanian ministry noted that the Armenian people have entrusted Pashinyan with a clear mandate to continue leading the country on a path of peace, stability, and democratic transformation.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on this significant victory and the clear mandate entrusted to him by the Armenian people to continue leading the country on a path of peace, stability, and democratic transformation. A strong affirmation of a clear vision, courage, and leadership in advancing ambitious institutional and societal reforms, strengthening democratic governance, and bringing Armenia ever closer to the European family of values. We look forward to working closely together to further deepen the excellent relations between our two countries, strengthen our dialogue and cooperation, and advance our shared commitment to peace, democracy, and a stronger European future for our peoples,” the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stated.