Category: 2022

 15:50,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens during his working visit.

The bilateral relations, the latest developments in the Caucasian region, as well as the situation in Ukraine were on the agenda of the meeting.

The Greek foreign ministry said that the sides reaffirmed the Armenian-Greek friendship and firm historical ties, as well as talked about the bilateral cooperation.

Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on EU-related matters was signed between the Armenian and Greek Foreign Ministries during the meeting, the Greek Foreign Ministry said on Twitter.

 16:20,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with President of Greece Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Athens, the Armenian foreign ministry reported.

FM Mirzoyan arrived in Greece on a working visit.

 16:34,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. The Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX) has started trading with the Armenian dram today, TASS reports.

Trading participants and clients have access to spot and swap tools for the following currency pairs: Armenian dram – Russian ruble (AMD/RUB), US dollar – Armenian dram (USD/AMD), South African rand – Russian ruble (ZAR/RUB), US dollar – South African rand (USD/ZAR).

The MOEX is expected to later announce trading in the Uzbek sums – Russian ruble (UZS/RUB), UAE dirham – Russian ruble (AED/RUB) and US dollar – UAE dirham (USD/AED).

 17:05,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. The International Center for Standardization and Certification “HALAL” is expected to be established in Armenia for boosting the export process of local production.

Today, on June 27, the specialists of the ICSC HALAL met with Armenian business community representatives in the ministry of economy.

“The cooperation with the Center will provide local manufacturers with an opportunity to export the local production to the Eastern market and have new partners”, Head of the Department of Development of Quality Infrastructure at the Ministry of Economy of Armenia Zhanna Zakaryan said.

The Center carries out certification of products and services, including for trade and public food.

“Certification will be provided for meat products, poultry, fish, milk, dairy products, bakery, confectionery, food additives, other food, healthcare and perfumes, cosmetics, tourism, spa services, hairdressing, fitness and taxi services”, Aidar Gazizov, Director General ICSC HALAL said.

HALAL Center is a leading certification body in Russia and abroad. The Center is operating since 2002. It has already established partnering relations with the manufacturers of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. More than 40 companies are currently exporting their production to the countries of Middle East – the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, through the Center.

 17:34,

YEREVAN, 27 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 27 June, USD exchange rate up by 1.08 drams to 409.64 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 2.98 drams to 433.52 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 7.69 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.10 drams to 502.63 drams.

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

Gold price down by 152.69 drams to 24041.60 drams. Silver price down by 3.55 drams to 274.73 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

 17:48,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Syrian Arab Republic to Armenia Nora Arisian at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on June 27.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin informed ARMENPRESS that His Holiness, congratulating the Ambassador on the occasion of her appointment, wished an effective mission for the benefit of the continuous strengthening of the centuries-old friendly relations and cooperation between the two peoples. His Holiness spoke with satisfaction about the Armenian-Syrian historical ties, emphasizing the important role of the Armenian community in Syria in strengthening them.

During the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians referred to the tragic losses and devastation caused by terrorist attacks in Syria and the 44-day war in Artsakh, expressing confidence that the two friendly nations will overcome the challenges they face with a spirit of optimism and strong faith.

His Holiness also expressed gratitude to the Syrian authorities for the caring attitude towards the Armenian community.

Ambassador Nora Arisian presented to the Catholicos the difficulties faced by the Armenian community due to the conflict in Syria, confirming that the Syrian authorities are making every effort to improve the situation of the Armenian community. The Ambassador also emphasized the role of the Syrian-Armenian community in overcoming the current challenges in Syria, which has always been highly appreciated in the country.

At the end of the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians wished the Ambassador fruitful activity for the strengthening of the Armenian-Syrian relations.

 18:12,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia, in cooperation with the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations Development Program, today launched the “Growth and Recovery for the Strengthening, Upgrading and Prosperity of Armenia” platform in support of Armenia’s promising sustainable development, green recovery and growth, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Hambardzum Matevosyan.

The discussion chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan was attended by World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus Sebastian Molineus, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Armenia Patrik Svensson, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili, Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan, and representatives of other concerned structures.

The goal of the GREEN Armenia platform is to combine and optimize policies and investment initiatives for the sake of Armenia’s transition to green economy.
Today’s event was the first in a series of thematic dialogues jointly organized by beneficiaries to come up with innovative ideas and to learn about global knowledge, which is key to building resilience to climate change.

Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan welcomed the participants of the discussion, emphasizing that the Armenian Government highly appreciates such initiatives in terms of summarizing the work done, learning lessons and outlining the next steps. “This is best expressed in the Government’s Action Plan 2021-2026, by which we have planned a number of measures, from increasing the share of green energy to the promotion of alternative vehicles, the introduction of related infrastructure, afforestation, and other necessary works”, the Deputy Prime Minister said, adding that on the way to building a modern low-carbon economy, Armenia attaches importance to ensuring an inclusive, participatory process with the active participation of international partners, the private sector, civil society, and academia.

According to Sebastian Molineus, WB Regional Director for the South Caucasus, the GREEN Armenia platform will assist Armenia in its efforts to transition to a sustainable economy. “The green transition may be a stimulus for Armenia’s economy, but it will be necessary to set priorities in cooperation with the private sector and international development partners and implement low- carbon, resource efficient policies and programs, in line with environmental goals,” the WB representative said.

According to EU Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, the green agenda, which is considered one of the leading among the priorities set by the EU for Europe and the planet, implies much more than the reduction of emissions. “It implies systemic changes in economies, societies and industries. In the case of Armenia, this opportunity is clear. A greener economy will not only improve the quality of life of the Armenian people, but will also stimulate sustainable growth and new jobs,” the EU Ambassador said, hoping that the GREEN Armenia platform will contribute to an open and transparent transition to a green economy.

According to UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili, making Armenia’s economy greener is the right policy in these difficult times, it can serve as a national strategic framework to ensure an equitable and inclusive transition to sustainable, zero-emission, climate-friendly economy while minimizing potential challenges that can be faced by the affected population and communities. She reaffirmed the UNDP’s readiness to combine efforts with the EU, the WB and other partners to assist the Government of Armenia in the fact-based, equitable and strategic policy of green transition, contributing to economic growth, human development and the unique natural capital of the country.

During the discussions, the Government presented its vision for the transition to a green economy in Armenia and its policy on climate and environment, which will help strengthen Armenia’s resilience. The representatives of the scientific-educational community, the public sector and international organizations presented their experience and position on the challenges and opportunities on the way to the transition to a green and resilient economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Matevosyan praised the efforts and readiness of all partners and stakeholders to combine their knowledge, experience and resources for the sustainable growth of the country through the GREEN Armenia platform.

 19:02,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan made a statement to the press following the meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, noting that no one and nothing can question the strong Armenian-Greek brotherhood.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of MFA Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan said,

“Dear Mr. Minister,
My friend and brother Nikos,
Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to thank my dear colleague Nikos Dendias for the warm hospitality. It is a great pleasure for me to be in Athens, especially as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Armenia and Greece.

The dynamically developing interstate relations of 30 years between Armenia and Greece are first of all based on the millennial friendship, mutual assistance between our two peoples and common values.

Armenians and Greeks lived, fought and created side by side. Our common path through the twists and turns of history has established a solid Armenian-Greek brotherhood, which cannot be questioned by anyone or anything. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my respect for the Armenian community in Greece and the Greek community in Armenia, and appreciate their significant contribution to the continuous strengthening of the relations between our peoples and states.

Today, together with my colleague we discussed in detail the prospects for deepening the political dialogue, multilateral cooperation between our countries and outlined the joint work to be carried out in economic and trade, defence, cultural, scientific and other dimensions.

We believe that there is a huge potential for strengthening the economic cooperation between Armenia and Greece. I think that the extensive bilateral legal bases and the works of the Armenian-Greek Intergovernmental commission will contribute to the full utilization of that potential.

Dear colleagues,

Armenian-Greek relations are developing not only within bilateral but also on multilateral important platforms. In this regard, I would like to highlight three important dimensions.

First of all, the cooperation within the framework of the Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral format was at the centre of our discussions. We consider this important initiative an effective tool for establishing stability, security and peace in the region, and are hopeful that through joint efforts it will serve the vital interests of our three countries and peoples. As Minister Dendias noted we have very important and concrete agreements regarding this format.

Of course, in a rapidly changing world, the implementation of the programs in transport communication, which are the vessels of the modern economy, gradually become more important. In this regard, we emphasize the importance of signing of the multilateral agreement on the establishment of the “Persian Gulf-Black sea international transport-transit corridor”. I think that intensive work should be carried out in this direction together with the stakeholders and succeed in this direction too.

We also exchanged views on issues on the Armenia-EU partnership and the Eastern Partnership. We stressed that the roadmap for the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement provides great opportunities also for deepening mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Of course, today we referred to the issues related to international and regional security and stability.
I presented to my colleague in detail the situation created around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the position of Armenia on the processes aimed at establishing regional peace and stability, the negotiations on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

I also touched upon issues related to the processes of the unblocking of the regional economic communications and transport infrastructure, the works within the Commission of delimitation and border security and overall the process on peace agreement.

I stressed the key role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in promoting the peace process for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Armenia appreciates the position of Greece in support of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the mandate and within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship.

I would also like to seize the opportunity and thank my good friend Nikos, who visited Yerevan during the 44-day war and expressed the sympathy of Greece and the Greek people to us in that crucial period. We will never forget that gesture of a strategic partner.

Dear colleagues,

Unfortunately, more than a year and a half after the ceasefire, Azerbaijan continues its provocative actions against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, while the warmongering and expansionist rhetoric has become an integral part of the daily discourse of the leadership of Azerbaijan.

Violating international humanitarian law and the obligations undertaken with the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, Azerbaijan continues to hold the Armenian PoWs and civilians in captivity, while the fate of hundreds of missing persons, including dozens of enforced disappeared, remains unresolved. All the civilized countries of the world, I repeat, all the civilized countries, using all possible opportunities, should contribute, call and insist Azerbaijan to return our prisoners.

Dear attendees,

Throughout the millennia-long history, the Armenian people have created wonderful churches and monuments that are an integral part of the global cultural heritage. Today, unfortunately, part of this heritage is in danger of imminent destruction. As a result of the state-sponsored, official policy of the Azerbaijani authorities, we have desecrated churches, shattered monuments annihilated of their Armenian trace in the territories fallen under the control of Azerbaijan. Unlike many other such unacceptable cases, we can not say that the world is silent. The world, indeed, talks, and has expressed itself very clearly. One bright example of that is the the decision of the UN Court of Justice to apply provisional measures in 2021, which obliges Azerbaijan to end this policy.

We expect a clear, targeted and continuous response of the international community to this behaviour of Azerbaijan and emphasize the urgency of the involvement of relevant international organizations in Nagorno-Karabakh, especially the implementation of the UNESCO fact-finding mission, which will be a significant step towards preserving this heritage.

And, of course, today I want to emphasize once again that peace is our principle, our policy and strategy. We are really aiming to build a peaceful, secure, stable South Caucasus, we hope that our neighbour will restrain from its expansionist aspirations, and will demonstrate a more constructive position on all issues.

Dear Nikos,

Thank you once again for the warm welcome and substantive discussion. I will be happy to host you in Yerevan”.

 19:12,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in Greece on a working visit, held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis on June 27.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, the interlocutors stressed that the Armenian-Greek relations are based on friendship, mutual support and common values.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Kyriakos Mitsotakis commended the rich agenda of cooperation and the high level of political dialogue, expressing readiness to make joint efforts towards further development of cooperation and its promotion to a qualitatively new level.

They also touched upon the current level of trade and economic relations between Armenia and Greece, the prospects of further expansion of economic ties, including through the utilization of the opportunities of a wide legal field, the works of the Armenian-Greek intergovernmental commission and activation of business to business contacts.

They have also discussed cooperation within the framework of the Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral format. 

The Foreign Minister of Armenia briefed the interlocutor on the current developments in the South Caucasus. The sides exchanged views on the issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the process of normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the unblocking of regional economic communication and transport infrastructure, the work of the commissions on delimitation and border security.

Ararat Mirzoyan touched upon the humanitarian consequences of Azerbaijan’s military aggression against Artsakh, accompanied by gross violations of international humanitarian law. Among other urgent issues, the need for the repatriation of the Armenian prisoners of war and other detainees and preservation of the Armenian historical-cultural and religious heritage in the territories fallen under the Azerbaijani control was stressed.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia highly appreciated the support of the Greek government during the 44-day war – a challenging period for Armenia, as well as its assistance in overcoming the resulting humanitarian issues. 

Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also briefed the Prime Minister of Greece on the developments in the Armenia-Turkey normalization process.

That’s done to legitimize a new war against Armenia. Pashinyan comments on Azerbaijan’s baseless accusation

 20:52,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. According to Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijan refuses to talk with the Armenian side and publicly accuses Armenia aiming to legitimize a new war against Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports Pashinyan said in a live broadcast on Facebook, answering the questions of media and NGOs.

Asked whether the peace agenda in today’s geopolitical realities has a real alternative in relations with Azerbaijan and even Turkey, Pashinyan gave a negative answer.

“It didn’t have an alternative even yesterday, the day before yesterday. It’s another issue to what extent we will be able to fulfil that agenda. It is very important to state that the establishment of peace cannot be a one-sided agenda, it must be a mutual constructive movement. My assessment is that there is no alternative, there was no alternative yesterday, there will be no alternative tomorrow. There is no alternative, and that is the reason why we have done, are doing and will do everything we can to open an era of peaceful development for Armenia and our region,” Pashinyan said.

He stressed that the alternative to the peace agenda is a new war. Azerbaijan refuses to talk, publicly accusing Armenia of refusing to talk. My assessment is one: it is done to legitimize a new war against Armenia. We do not have illusions about Azerbaijan’s far-reaching goals and intentions, but even in this case, it is more important for us to consistently and patiently push forward the peace agenda. I have said many times that on this path we need strong nerves, balanced, maximum non-emotional state,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing once again that there is no alternative to the peace agenda.