Month: December 2023

Turkish analyst Emre Diner supports peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Jack Hunanian

 13:15, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Turkish journalist and analyst Emre Diner participated on December 5 in the New Regional Reality and the Crossroads of Peace expert forum in Yerevan and spoke in favor of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.
The New Regional Reality and the Crossroads of Peace expert forum is attended by experts from Armenian, Iranian, Indian, Georgian and Turkish analytical centers.
Diner was asked how Armenia and Azerbaijan can achieve peace when Azerbaijan has territorial aspirations against Armenia. He said that he is aware of that but what matters is the final result of the peace process.
“If we want peace in the region, then we must focus only on the peace talks. Doesn’t matter what sometimes is being said from Yerevan, Ankara or Baku. I understand that this is very difficult for ordinary citizens. You don’t have to listen to everything. The three countries must only think about achieving peace. Armenians and Azerbaijanis must negotiate around all contentious issues. No one is saying that the process is easy, but it is necessary to consistently continue, because no one can live in isolation because of the existing problems. Furthermore, the dialogue shouldn’t be an end in itself,” Diner said.
Türkiye wants to establish good relations with Armenia, according Emre Diner.
Diner said he believes in peace in the region and cited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s speech on the need for peaceful coexistence in the region. Emre Diner said that Türkiye wants to have good relations with Armenia. He praised Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s participation in Erdogan’s inauguration ceremony. 

Asked on Türkiye’s possible recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Diner said that Türkiye should take that step, and that the recognition could be a good foundation for the development of trilateral relations between Armenia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan in the future.

[see video]

 

Update:
The earlier version of this article contained comments by Mr. Diner made in response to a question about the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Diner has retracted his comments, explaining that he had misunderstood the question and the comments attributed to him do not reflect his opinion.



India ready to participate in infrastructure development projects in Armenia

Arpi Talalian

 14:20, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The centuries-old relations between Armenia, India and Iran are a strong foundation for cooperation in present days, Ambassador of India to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha has said.

Speaking at the New Regional Reality and the Crossroads of Peace forum in Yerevan, the Indian Ambassador said that Armenia and India have historic ties, and Iran is a bridge that has contributed to the development of the relations.

“India and Iran are closely cooperating as part of the North-South international transport corridor initiative, which connects the Indian Ocean, the Persian Gulf with the Caspian Sea, towards Russia and Europe. We are ready to work with Armenia to understand how the country can benefit from the opportunities of this corridor,” the ambassador said.

Speaking about the Crossroads of Peace project developed by the Armenian government, the Indian ambassador said that this initiative presented by Prime Minister Pashinyan seeks to promote connectivity in the Caucasus, including railways, roads and power transmission lines, through the development of infrastructures.

“Armenia is currently developing its road infrastructure, from the southern border with Iran to the northern border with Georgia. Certain Indian companies have displayed interest towards this project. We are ready to participate in infrastructure development projects in Armenia,” the Indian ambassador said.

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India to facilitate Chabahar Port access for Armenia

Garnik Tadevosian

 14:24, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. India will simplify the possibility of using the Chabahar Port for Armenia, Ambassador of India to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha has said.

The Ambassador said that the Indian government has made a key decision to make investments to develop the Chabahar Port given the importance of regional connectivity.

“Not only is this a transit commercial hub, but it also contributes to the transfer of humanitarian aid. Armenia has expressed interest regarding the port. Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures and the Deputy Foreign Minister recently participated in the Global Maritime India summit. We will simplify the possibility of using the port for Armenia to overcome the challenges given that Armenia is a landlocked country,” the ambassador said at the New Regional Reality and the Crossroads of Peace forum.

Armenia ready to take practical steps to implement Crossroads of Peace project

Tatoyan Vazgen

 15:05, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is ready to take practical steps to implement the Crossroads of Peace project, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister’s Office Arayik Harutyunyan has said.

He said Armenia is guided by the principles of comprehensive, inclusive and non-discriminatory application of regional routes and full respect to the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries in the talks around unblocking of transport infrastructures in South Caucasus.

Harutyunyan said that the new possibilities of shipment of goods and movement of persons would in turn ensure additional guarantees of security and stability, as well as serious prerequisites for economic growth for all countries.

“Armenia is ready to take practical steps for the implementation of Crossroads of Peace. I’d also like to note that in implementing this important regional initiative, the Armenian government expects effective supports from all international partners,” Arayik Harutyunyan said at the New Regional Reality and the Crossroads of Peace forum in Yerevan.

Armenia believes in the regional peoples’ desire and ability to achieve peace and resolve all conflicts through peace, he said.

“Historically, Armenia has always been at the crossroads linking north to south and west to east, with all subsequent political, economic and cultural specificities. And today, given its geographic location, Armenia is ready to serve as a link for such partnership,” Harutyunyan said.

The New Regional Reality and the Crossroads of Peace forum in Yerevan was attended by Armenian officials, foreign diplomats, as well as analysts and researchers from Armenia, Georgia, Iran, India and Turkiye.

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Armenia participates in Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2023

Antranik Varosian

 16:36, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. A delegation led by Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry Robert Khachatryan is participating in the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2023.

12 Armenian defense and security companies are presenting their products at the expo.

The 3rd edition of Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) takes place 4-7 December 2023. The award-winning show is the only defence and security event that covers Africa and the Middle East, presenting a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the latest technology, equipment and systems across land, sea, and air.

Khachatryan participated in the opening ceremony of EDEX 2023 and then toured the expo.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 05-12-23

George Mamian

 17:11, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, 5 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 5 December, USD exchange rate down by 0.10 drams to 402.95 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.55 drams to 436.48 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.04 drams to 4.40 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.33 drams to 509.17 drams.

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

Gold price up by 40.71 drams to 26545.73 drams. Silver price down by 0.01 drams to 326.02 drams.

"Crossroads of Peace" project aligns with India’s vision in the South Caucasus: Expert

Vanyan Gary

 17:59, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. India has interests in the South Caucasus in terms of trade communications, trade corridors, energy security and geopolitics and the "Crossroads of Peace" project aligns with Delhi’s vision.

Rananjay Anand, Co-Founder and President of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, said  at the forum held Tuesday in Yerevan on the topic of "New Regional Realities and the Crossroads of Peace" with the participation of analysts from Armenian, Iranian, Indian, Georgian and Turkish think tanks.

 Rananjay Anand noted that India hadn't clearly formulated a foreign policy regarding the South Caucasus until recently.

"Armenia is certainly a significant partner for India in this region. Armenia has always supported India, particularly on the issue of Kashmir without any reservations. Armenia has always backed India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Such an approach has surely garnered a positive response in India," said Rananjay Anand, who believes that Armenia is the only country in the region with which India has cooperative and friendly relations.

According to him, in geopolitical issues and the fight against terrorism, Armenia and India share common interests. 

"Taking into account Armenia's security concerns, India is making efforts to provide maximum support. I can say that this is a matter of peace and the balance of power," the expert added, emphasizing that India is working to prevent tension in the region and the emergence of aggressors.




Over 500 international IT experts will arrive in Yerevan for the Harmony Meetup 4.0 Conference

Emil Lazarian

 18:11, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. The Harmony Meetup annual technology conference will take place for the fourth time in Yerevan from December 11 to 14, with the support of Fastex. During four days, international advocates of the web3 concept of the new era of the Internet, authors of innovative technological solutions, managers and representatives of more than 350 international ICT companies, including more than 60 partner organizations.

Additionally more than 20 high-level experts will discuss the challenges of the sector, participate in panel discussions, will share knowledge and experience. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the buildings of the technology company SoftConstruct.

"Such meetings enable us not only to discuss the future of the sector but also to make the utmost effort to achieve noticeable results for both the web3 community and the consumers of the products created by it," said Vakhtang Abrahamyan, Executive Director of Fastex.

About 500 representatives of the international web3 community will also attend the special award ceremony, during which the winners of game projects in various categories will be announced. The prize fund of 3 million FTN will be directed to promote the winners' projects not only in local but also in international markets.

Russia’s Putin to visit UAE, Saudi Arabia on December 6

Zhanna Nahapetian

 19:12, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay working visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday which are expected to last no longer than one day, Tass quoted Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

"Tomorrow, President Putin’s working visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia will take place," the Kremlin official said.

Putin to hold talks with Iranian leader in Moscow on December 7

Vicken Chmshkian

 19:22, 5 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin will receive his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi in Moscow on Thursday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Yes, I can confirm that. Russian-Iranian talks will indeed take place in Moscow on December 7," Peskov said when asked to comment on a report by Iran’s Tasnim news agency saying Raisi would visit Moscow at Putin’s invitation on Thursday, Tass informs.

According to Tasnim, Raisi and Putin plan to talk economic cooperation as well as regional and international issues, in particular, the Palestinian issue and the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.