Category: 2022

Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Alen Simonyan received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Armenia Joel Lyon.

Alen Simonyan congratulated him on appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to the Republic of Armenia, wishing him fruitful activity.

“Embassies are a cornerstone for the further development of bilateral relations. I am full of hope that your activity will have a significant contribution to the Armenian-Israeli relations and will contribute to the further development of the inter-parliamentary cooperation,” the Parliament Speaker said.

In the context of inter-parliamentary ties, the activity of the parliamentary friendship groups was highlighted.

The sides noted that the existence of historical and cultural ties between our peoples and the similarity of destinies are important preconditions for creating a favorable atmosphere of cooperation.

They exchanged views on establishing lasting stability in the region.

The working group of the Deputy Prime Ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on unblocking regional communications was able to bring the positions of Yerevan and Baku closer on many issues, in particular, border and customs control. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan told TASS․

He assessed the work of the trilateral commission on unblocking the transport links in the South Caucasus as “constructive.”

“This is certainly difficult work, but I must note that the parties manage to bring their positions closer on some issues of border and customs control, as well as the safe passage of citizens, vehicles and goods along roads and railways through the territories of Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he said.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister “at the moment, expert subgroups continue to work out issues related to the restoration and further use of road and railway infrastructures.”

An agreement to unblock regional communications was reached on January 11, 2021 at a meeting in Moscow of the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. It was decided to create a working group at the level of vice-premiers of the three countries, which will concentrate on establishing transport and economic ties in the region.

Armenia’s first “Museum of Illusions” will the second largest city of Gyumri on July 6.

The museum will showcase about 50 exhibits based on physics, mathematics and psychology. Visitors will have the opportunity to see “magical” rooms which could seem ordinary at first sight.

“The idea of creating a museum has existed for a long time; we have studied similar museums in different countries for years. We think it will be interesting for both locals and tourists,” says museum co-founder Grisha Amirkhanyan.

The museum was supported by the EU Business Initiative Innovative Tourism and Technology Development for Armenia, co-funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan and USAID Mission Director for Armenia John Allelo signed a 5-year Development Objectives Grant Agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the United States of America, under which a $120 million grant assistance will be provided to Armenia.

The agreement is aimed at strengthening democratic values and ensuring economic stability.

Representatives of both USAID and Armenian state institutions were present at the signing ceremony.

“On behalf of the Government and on my personal behalf I would like to thank you for the assistance provided to Armenia, emphasizing that the directions set by the agreement are of great importance for overcoming the economic challenges Armenia faces in this difficult period, as well as for sustainable development and strengthening democracy in the country,” Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said.

“I would like to especially thank all our government counterparts who have been instrumental in reviewing this agreement. Your time, feedback, and investment in crafting this document, and making this day a reality, highlights our commitment to shared values and initiatives. The United States remains committed to supporting Armenia on its democratic and economic reforms” Mission Director John Allelo said.

The agreement aims at promoting transparency and accountability in the public administration, strengthening local governance capacity, as well as participatory and inclusive electoral and political processes and the rule of law. The programs to be implemented under the agreement will promote inclusive participation of citizens in governance, facilitate access to independent and diversified sources of information. In order to strengthen economic stability, the programs will aim at increasing the competitiveness of the private sector, strengthening the workforce, and sustainable management of natural resources.

We strongly welcome Canada’s decision to open Embassy in Armenia with resident Ambassador, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in a Twitter post.

“This is yet another milestone in progressively developing Armenian-Canadian relations which will further reinforce our bilateral cooperation based on common values,” Minister Mirzoyan said.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced the plans at a press conference earlier today.

“Following the mission and report of Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe and Ambassador to Germany, on ways to increase Canadian support for Armenian democracy, Canada will open a full embassy with a resident ambassador in Armenia, allowing for stronger bilateral ties and increased Canadian support for Armenian democracy,” Minister Joly said.