Author: Arsine Chaltikian

Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan received Kevin Hamilton, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, in Yerevan on Monday.

According to a readout, Minister Papikyan congratulated Special Representative Hamilton on assuming office and wished him success.

“During the meeting, issues related to the current state and prospects of Armenia–NATO cooperation were discussed. The sides also addressed regional and international security issues,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the country’s police reform programme has delivered results once considered unrealistic, highlighting major upgrades in patrol services and technical capacity.

Speaking at a ceremonial session marking the 108th anniversary of Armenia’s police, Pashinyan said the transformation of the patrol service, including modern equipment, vehicles and operational systems had once seemed unrealistic.

“When we launched police reforms, it seemed almost impossible to imagine a fully equipped patrol service with modern technology, vehicles and structured development across key areas,” he said.

“At the time, it felt distant and unlikely. Today, that has become a reality, and we must now focus on further development,” he added.

Pashinyan stressed that reform of the police system must remain an ongoing and continuous process, requiring consistent, day-to-day effort.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met in Brussels with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

According to the foreign ministry’s readout, Mirzoyan and Kallas discussed issues related to the consistent implementation of the strategic agenda of the Armenia–EU partnership.

Detailed attention was paid to the substantive preparation of the Armenia–EU summit to be held in Yerevan in May, with an emphasis on agreement to implement programs aimed at ensuring tangible results for Armenian citizens.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas discussed initiatives aimed at the continued strengthening of democratic resilience, which form an important part of the Armenia–EU value-based partnership and strategic agenda. In this context, agreement was reached on ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of existing mechanisms supporting democratic processes.

The Armenian Foreign Minister and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy emphasized the importance of implementing mutually beneficial programs to promote economic and transport connectivity, as well as cooperation in the energy sector.

The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Kotayk region to get acquainted with programs implemented in various settlements, the PM’s Office said in a readout.

The Prime Minister’s first stop was the secondary school in Mrgashen, Nor Hachn community. It was renovated under the Government’s “300 Schools to be Built, Renovated or Reconstructed by 2026” program. The total cost of construction amounted to 248 million 514 thousand drams. The school is designed for 303 students.

In the same community, Pashinyan also visited the pepper greenhouse of the “Nuvo Vilaj” company in Nor Geghi. Within the framework of the “Support to the Development of Greenhouse Farms in the Republic of Armenia” program, the Government supported the establishment of a 5.2-hectare greenhouse. The project was implemented with a loan of about 2 billion 640 million drams, with a full interest subsidy of 10%.

The Prime Minister then visited a kindergarten in Bujakan, Nairi community. The facility, designed for 90 children, was renovated under a subsidy program. The total cost amounted to 470 million 180 thousand drams, 70% of which—about 329 million drams—was financed by the Government.

In Charentsavan, the Prime Minister was briefed on the reconstruction of a 2-kilometer road of republican significance leading to the Bjni Fortress historical and cultural reserve. The project cost 104 million drams. Pashinyan highlighted the importance of the road in promoting tourism and increasing visitor flows.

He also toured the rose greenhouse of the “Pion” company in Fantan, established under the same state support program with approximately 3 billion drams in loan funding.

In Qaghsi, Hrazdan community, the Prime Minister visited a renovated secondary school implemented within the “300 Schools” program. The project cost 377 million 880 thousand drams and the school is designed for 403 students.

Pashinyan then visited the “Alternative” youth center in Aghavnadzor, Tsaghkadzor community. Under a grant program, a 300-square-meter area was renovated and equipped. The total cost was 36 million 983 thousand drams, 59% of which—about 21 million 708 thousand drams—was provided by the Government.

In Abovyan, the Prime Minister toured a newly built kindergarten in Balahovit. The project cost about 165 million 544 thousand drams, with 70%—approximately 115 million 881 thousand drams—funded by the Government. The facility is designed for 70 children.

In Nor Gyugh, Akunk community, he reviewed another newly built kindergarten designed for 90 children. The total cost amounted to about 263 million 144 thousand drams, of which 70%—around 184 million 200 thousand drams—was financed by the Government.

Finally, the Prime Minister visited the V. Karapetyan Secondary School in Dzoraghbyur, Jrvezh community, renovated under the “300 Schools” program. The project cost exceeded 205 million drams and the school is designed for 259 students.