Category: News

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that negotiations with several countries are continuing over the planned construction of a new nuclear power plant in Armenia to replace the aging Metsamor facility.

“We have a nuclear power plant [Metsamor] that was built during the Soviet era, and the operating life of that nuclear power plant is nearing its end,” Pashinyan said at a panel discussion at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City. “We are currently making a decision on the next nuclear power plant. In this regard, we are negotiating with various partners—the United States, Russia, France, China, and South Korea—and are seeking the best offer to launch the construction of a new nuclear power plant,” Pashinyan said.

Continuing on the topic of the energy sector, the Prime Minister added that with the introduction of new technologies, Armenia has a good opportunity to become energy self-sufficient.

“Since we have considerable solar resources and solar generation capacities that are developing rapidly, the most important issue for us now is to develop storage capacity. We now need large-scale energy storage capacity, and we are working in that direction,” the Prime Minister said.

Armenia has already announced that it is working to extend the operating life of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant until 2036, while steps will be taken to build a new nuclear power plant in the meantime. It has already been decided that the new nuclear power plant will be modular.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that having diversified foreign ties is important for preserving and strengthening Armenia’s independence.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City, where he is attending the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Pashinyan highlighted his administration’s balanced and balancing foreign policy.

“In recent times, we have established a strategic partnership with the United States. We have also established a strategic partnership with the EU. In 2025, the Armenian Parliament adopted a law on launching the process of Armenia’s accession to the EU. But you know, there is a very important nuance, because apart from economic ties, our policy is also to diversify our political ties. Therefore, in recent years, we have established strategic partnerships with the United States, the EU, and China. Having diversified foreign ties is very important for preserving and strengthening independence,” Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Armenia has adopted a balanced and balancing foreign policy.

“We have been quite successfully implementing this policy to date, and, of course, we will deepen this strategy—to diversify our ties both in terms of the economy and political relations,” he said.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the newly established peace is the most important factor in promoting tourism in Armenia.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City, where he is attending the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Pashinyan highlighted the impact of peace on tourism.

“There was a very interesting nuance: as the peace processes became more active, the flow of tourists increased, and we are seeing this now as well. Tourism is the sector most sensitive to security issues. When there is peace and stability, a gravitational field is created for tourism, and now Armenia is truly becoming increasingly attractive as a tourist destination. Peace provides a good opportunity for people from different countries to come and see historical sites, sacred sites, wonderful nature, excellent Armenian cuisine, and kind and good people. By the way, when I ask tourists what the most attractive factor is, they say it is Armenian hospitality and the warmth of the people. I think this is good branding for our country,” the Prime Minister said.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed concern over regional developments around Iran.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City, where he is attending the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Pashinyan said Armenia is looking forward to the situation stabilizing.

He also addressed changes in the petroleum market caused by the situation.

“We have been able to diversify our petroleum market and our import markets in recent times. Of course, this is a matter of price, as everywhere, but what is happening in the region around Iran is quite concerning for us, and we are looking forward to the situation stabilizing,” the Prime Minister said.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of Armenia’s 35th anniversary of independence.

“Dear Mr. Prime Minister, on behalf of the American people, I extend my sincere congratulations to you and the Armenian people on Armenia’s Independence Day,” Trump said in a letter published by the Prime Minister’s Office. “We join with you to celebrate your country’s dedication to peace, prosperity, and democracy. For 35 years, Armenia has been a steadfast partner in these values. As we advance the historic endeavor of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) we look forward to building and investing in Armenia, ensuring that our commitment to the peace and prosperity of the South Caucasus is realized. As we discussed on our call in August, we have made history together in just over a year. Your dedication to peace will create huge opportunities for Armenia, the United States, and the region. The shared values between our people remain the foundation for our two countries’ ongoing friendship. Congratulations to the Armenian people and your government.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Anantha Chandrakasan, Provost of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and professor.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, Pashinyan addressed the Armenian Government’s Academic City project and highlighted potential cooperation and the exchange of experience with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in implementing the programme.

In this context, the sides discussed details of the Academic City project, its progress and upcoming steps.

Chandrakasan welcomed the implementation of the programme and expressed his readiness to cooperate with Armenian partners, including by sharing his experience and expertise.

The sides also exchanged views on steps aimed at developing higher education.

A meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has begun in New York.

Armenian Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Melanya Harutyunyan announced this.

The high-level week of the UN General Assembly is under way in New York, with an Armenian delegation headed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan taking part.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, in New York.

The Information and Public Relations Department of the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.

“The sides recalled this year’s Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ceremony and the step taken to recognise in the highest terms the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The interlocutors expressed confidence that the fact that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan received the award would give new impetus to the peace agenda between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as contribute to progress towards ensuring cooperation and stability in the region,” the statement said.

The sides exchanged views on issues concerning further cooperation between them.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Romanian President Nicușor Dan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

The Information and Public Relations Department of the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.

“The interlocutors discussed prospects for the consistent development of Armenia-Romania relations. The importance of organising high-level mutual visits was emphasised in terms of advancing issues on the bilateral agenda, which would give new impetus to expanding and strengthening ties,” the statement said.

Nikol Pashinyan and Nicușor Dan exchanged views on promoting political dialogue and cooperation in the economic and cultural spheres. They also discussed regional developments and further steps aimed at strengthening peace and stability.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

The Information and Public Relations Department of the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.

The interlocutors discussed the process of normalising Armenia-Türkiye relations and the implementation of agreements reached.

They stressed the importance of advancing the normalisation process and their readiness to give new impetus to relations. In this regard, the sides considered it necessary to consistently carry out work aimed at promoting trade and economic relations, establishing ties between business communities, as well as jointly restoring the historic Ani Bridge.

The sides also exchanged views on regional issues.

Nikol Pashinyan and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressed the fact that peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing confidence that it would have a significant impact on the development of regional cooperation.

In this context, they emphasised the need to implement the TRIPP project and unblock regional communication routes.