Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a working discussion with Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan, during which the works implemented in the direction of introducing a new system of biometric passports and identification cards in the Republic of Armenia were presented.
In his introductory speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the process of introducing biometric passports and identification cards is in the final stage and they will be available to citizens from the fall of 2026.
Arpine Sargsyan emphasized that the purpose of introducing the new system is to ensure the compliance of identity documents with high international standards, in particular, with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). According to the Minister of Internal Affairs, it will increase the reliability of documents, facilitate border crossings and facilitate the free movement of citizens, including in the visa liberalization process with the European Union.
It was noted that modern infrastructures are being created within the framework of the implementation of the new system. The project is implemented in the format of public-private cooperation. The new passports will have high-level protection mechanisms, including security components, including UV layers.
At the same time, it was emphasized that the Armenian identity, historical and cultural heritage and symbols of statehood are reflected in the design of the document. Accordingly, the outline map of the Republic of Armenia, the alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots, and the first sentence in the Armenian alphabet, “Know wisdom and wisdom, know my language with genius” are reflected first. The Prime Minister emphasized that some letters are reflected larger and there is a certain thought and logic in it. “In particular, the letter “A” means freedom, independence, the letter “E” means happiness, the letter “E” means that in Grabar “E” means God, emphasizing God, the letter “Z” means the people, the letter “I” means sovereignty, the letter “X” means peace, “K” means life, “H” means Armenia, “M” means man, “J” means water as a symbol of life. The letter “O”, since there was no letter “O” in the initial version, we meant the law, legality, the letter “P” – we meant the state, the letter “S” – we meant love, the letter “K” – Christ, as the first state that accepted Christianity. Of course, these accents could be made with all letters, but in general, we thought that such accents would perhaps also significantly emphasize our strategies, perceptions, aspirations, and our ideas, and also add a certain design element.”
Continuing to present the images inserted on different pages of the document, it was noted that it begins with the genealogy of Armenians, with the image of Hayk Nahapet and the rock paintings found in Geghama Mountains and Ukhtasar, which have a very old history. The next important milestone in history is also presented, the cuneiform record of the founding of Yerevan, which is a very important part of Armenian identity and history. It was emphasized that the image of the Erebuni fortress has been restored by scientists. Next, the boundary stones of the Artashes period with Aramaic inscriptions are presented. The form and position of the boundary stone also with scientists formed as a result of consultations, are a visualization depicting the lifestyle and agriculture of the given period. It was emphasized that the choice of the boundary stone was not accidental, it was a very important state and legal tool even in that period, because it showed the existence of the state, the essence of state administration and also the land reforms that took place in that period.
On the next page is presented the Mother See of St. Ejmiadzin, which symbolizes the fact of accepting Christianity as the state religion in 301. The year of adoption of Christianity was emphasized as one of the key parts of our identity and history.
According to the logic of ceremonial seniority, the symbols of modern statehood are presented: the residence of the President of the Republic of Armenia, the Government building, the National Assembly building, the Constitutional Court building. Yerevan Cascade and Alexander Tamanyan, as the patriarch of modern urban development, were also depicted.
There is also a reference to the marzes. In alphabetical order, Aragats marz is presented with Mount Aragats with its four peaks, Ararat marz with Khor Virap as one of the most important centers of Christianity, Armavir marz with lavash baking process, Armavir marz gardens and fruits, Gegharkunik marz with Lake Sevan and the 10th century Berdkunk fortress, Kotayk marz with Garnu pagan temple, Lori marz with Lori fortress, Shirak region with the street of the historical center of Gyumri and the famous Phaeton view, Syunik region with Baghaberd castle, Tavush region with Sranots bridge, Vayots Dzor region with Jermuk waterfall and Jermuk’s famous deer. The Prime Minister emphasized that through all these historical and cultural monuments, an attempt was made to ensure the diversity and multi-layeredness of the portrait of Armenia.
It was emphasized that along with the introduction of the biometric passport, it is also planned to introduce automatic, contactless crossing systems at the border checkpoints, which will significantly facilitate and speed up the movement of citizens.
Summarizing the presentation of the passport, the head of state noted that with this step, Armenia takes an important step towards having a modern, safe and international passport system.
—