Category: News

Saudi Arabia prince to Armenian premier: Every time I visit Armenia, I feel a

Hovik Karapetian
NEWS.AM
Oct 28, 2026

Saudi Arabia prince to Armenian premier: Every time I visit Armenia, I feel a desire to return

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia on Wednesday hosted the delegation led by Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, at the Armenian government building, the PM’s office informs.

The premier welcomed Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud’s visit to Armenia and highlighted the significance of holding this year’s award ceremony for the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development in Armenia.

“This is very good and pleasant news for us. We know that it is a highly prestigious award, and I will also be attending the ceremony this evening—it is a great honor for me. As you know, COP17 is currently taking place in Armenia. Issues concerning biodiversity and sustainability are becoming increasingly important for each of us. I hope that, through international cooperation, we will be able to find a solution to this global problem. Welcome; I would like to hear your impressions and your assessment of the current situation,” noted Nikol Pashinyan.

In turn, the Saudi prince expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality.

“This is my second visit to Armenia in the last two years. Honestly, every time I visit Armenia, I feel a desire to return. I am trying to arrange for my wife and family to visit as well—not only to get acquainted with the country, its great culture, and its long history, but also to identify projects that we might implement jointly in Armenia. Naturally, holding the award ceremony for the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development in Armenia is of great importance to us. Over the past years, Armenia has gone through various phases, and today we are impressed to see what it has achieved. Furthermore, hosting COP17 here is also very significant,” Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud added.

Subsequently, he spoke about the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development and its objectives.

Afterward, the interlocutors discussed the prospects for the further development of relations between Armenia and Saudi Arabia. Both sides highlighted the significance of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, expressing confidence that this would provide a new impetus for developing cooperation and expanding ties across various sectors. The parties exchanged views also on the opportunities for implementing investment projects in Armenia.

In addition, Nikol Pashinyan and Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud addressed issues of regional importance. In this regard, both sides emphasized the importance of establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and strengthening stability in the region.

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Armenian Museum Adds to Leadership Team with Appointment New Deputy Director

Karakhanian Suren
Oct 27, 2026

The Armenian Museum of America (AMoA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Hayes as Deputy Director, expanding her leadership role at the Museum and positioning her to support the institution’s continued growth, strategic development, and national visibility.

Hayes has served as Director of Development since 2023, leading membership, grant management, donor relations, corporate and foundation partnerships, and events. In her new role, she will retain leadership of the Museum’s development program while taking on broader responsibilities across the institution.

As Deputy Director, Hayes will work closely with Board President Michele M. Kolligian, Executive Director Jason Sohigian, the Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, donors, members, and community partners to advance the Museum’s mission and strengthen its financial and organizational sustainability. She will provide leadership and coordination across exhibitions, programs, communications, facilities, visitor experience, and administrative functions, helping ensure that the Museum’s activities are aligned with its strategic priorities.

“Sarah has been an extraordinary leader and advocate for the Museum,” said Michele M. Kolligian, President of the Board of Trustees. “Her vision, energy, relationships, and deep commitment to our mission have made an enormous impact on the institution. We are thrilled to expand her leadership role as Deputy Director and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.”

During her tenure as Director of Development, Hayes has strengthened the Museum’s fundraising and membership programs, expanded foundation and institutional partnerships, and pursued significant grant opportunities to support exhibitions, programming, and capital improvements. Her efforts have contributed to membership growth, including expanded outreach through direct mail and email campaigns, and have helped establish a stronger foundation for the Museum’s long-term sustainability.

Her work supports an ambitious program of exhibitions, cultural programming, educational initiatives, and institutional growth. Hayes has also played an important role in securing significant loans of artwork and cultivating relationships with leading museums, cultural institutions, and private collectors for the Museum’s landmark Arshile Gorky exhibition, helping bring works by Gorky to the AMoA from respected institutions and private collections.

“I am honored to take on this new role,” said Sarah Hayes. “The past several years have been an exciting period of growth for the Museum, and I am grateful to our staff, Board, donors, members, artists, partners, and community whose dedication makes this work possible. I look forward to building on this momentum to expand the reach, impact, and vitality of this remarkable institution.”

Hayes brings to the Museum a longstanding personal and professional commitment to Armenia, Armenian culture, environmental stewardship, and the nonprofit sector. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia from 2005 to 2007. Following her Peace Corps service, she served as West Coast Operations Manager for the Armenia Tree Project in Los Angeles before joining the AMoA. She holds a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Studio Art from Eastern Connecticut State University. Her background in environmental education, nonprofit leadership, the arts, and Armenian cultural engagement has informed her work at the Museum and her commitment to connecting Armenian heritage with broader audiences.

Hayes lives in Connecticut with her daughter and their two dogs. She remains connected to the Armenian community, bringing to her work both professional expertise and a personal commitment to preserving and celebrating Armenian culture.

https://watertownmanews.com/2026/10/27/armenian-museum-adds-to-leadership-team-with-appointment-new-deputy-director/

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Trump-linked investor plans to redirect Armenian copper from China to the US

Khoyetsian Rose
Mining
Oct 28, 2026
WRITTEN BY Jackson Chen

A Soviet-born American businessman with ties to President Donald Trump’s administration plans to expand one of Armenia’s largest copper mines and redirect most of its output from China to the US.

Konstantin Sokolov, owner of US-based Dynamic Frontier Holdings, recently acquired the Teghut copper-molybdenum mine for US$228.5 million ($325.2 million), according to Bloomberg.

Located in Armenia’s northern Lori province, Teghut is the country’s second-largest copper producer, with most of its output currently exported to China.

Sokolov plans to redirect the mine’s shipments to the US through new trading agreements when the existing offtake contract expires in December.

“One of the main objectives of this transaction was to make Armenia’s critical mineral resources available to US supply chains,” Sokolov told Bloomberg.

Sokolov was appointed by the Trump administration to lead a US$201 million investment fund focused on the Caucasus and Central Asia, and has donated to Republican political groups.

Plans to boost copper production

Alongside the export shift, Sokolov is planning a major expansion of the Teghut operation.

The new owner aims to increase annual copper concentrate production by approximately 50%, from around 80,000 tonnes to between 120,000 and 130,000 tonnes.

At full capacity, the expanded operation is expected to produce concentrate containing approximately 26,000–28,000 tonnes of copper annually.

According to Sokolov, the additional capacity is scheduled to come online in 2030, with full production expected in 2031.

Historical estimates put the deposit’s ore reserves at approximately 450 million tonnes (Mt), containing 1.6Mt of copper and nearly 100,000 tonnes of molybdenum.

The acquisition also ends years of Russian ownership at Teghut.

VTB Bank, which is under US sanctions, took control of the mine in 2019 after its previous owner defaulted on a US$400 million loan.

According to Bloomberg, Dynamic Frontier faced competition from several potential buyers, including Russian and Chinese firms, before securing the asset with its US$228.5 million bid.

The transaction received authorisation from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as approval from Armenia’s competition regulator.

US expands critical minerals influence

The acquisition comes as Washington seeks to reduce its dependence on China for minerals used in manufacturing, electronics, and defence equipment.

The Trump administration has been looking to strengthen its economic influence across Central and Western Asia, including through cooperation agreements with countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Sokolov said the Teghut transaction aligns with Washington’s broader strategy to diversify critical minerals supply chains.

“It made a lot of sense for the US to support this transaction because it aligns perfectly with what this administration is trying to achieve in the region,” he told Bloomberg.

“All of the output will go to US supply chains,” he added.

For Armenia, the investment could open a new export market for one of its most important mineral resources while reducing Russian ownership in the country’s mining industry.

However, Russian-linked investors continue to hold significant interests in Armenia’s mineral sector.

The country’s largest mining company, Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, remains predominantly owned by entities connected to Russian billionaire Roman Trotsenko.

Write to Jackson Chen at Mining.com.au

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Newspaper: Armenia’s Pashinyan attempting to blackmail Azerbaijan’s Aliyev wi

Chalian Meline
News.am, Armenia
Oct 28, 2026

Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes as follows, in particular: [Armenian PM Nikol] Pashinyan failed to blackmail the opposition on the topic of snap [parliamentary] elections, instead he panicked his teammates. And in order to dispel the panic of the CC [i.e.

Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract Party and its parliamentary faction], now they are spreading inside that in fact Nikol Pashinyan is attempting to blackmail [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev with the statement about snap [parliamentary] elections. Because if the prospect of snap [parliamentary] elections [in Armenia] is real, it is possible that Aliyev will back down from the precondition of changing the RA Constitution so that the matter does not reach snap [parliamentary elections in Armenia].

After all, Aliyev knows very well that the CC was able to scrape that 49 percent with titanic efforts on June 7 [parliamentary elections in Armenia] anyway, in the next elections it may simply lose. And if his dreadful revanchists come to power [in Armenia], he will have to say goodbye to his dreams, because he has been given a unique chance—in the person of Nikol Pashinyan—to realize those dreams.

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EAEU report has raised serious questions and concerns; for Armenia, additional

Hunanian Jack
Aysor, Armenia
Oct 28, 2026

Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia party, has issued a message from the Yerevan-Kentron penitentiary facility. 

“The EAEU report published a few days ago, which outlines the threats to Armenia’s economy should our country leave the EAEU or have its membership suspended, has undoubtedly raised serious questions and concerns for many. I have tried to assess the actual risks from every possible perspective.

First and foremost, we must look beyond the figures and see the people behind them. Having a background in the real economy and manufacturing, I am particularly sensitive to these specific risks. We must understand that behind the dry language of an economic report are real people. All these ‘percentages’ – whether relating to declines or price increases – point to the risk of thousands of businesses closing or going bankrupt, as well as a deterioration in living standards and a sharp decline in the well-being of tens of thousands of families and hundreds of thousands of people. Behind these figures lie the fates of thousands of people. My concern is not merely with the numbers themselves, but with the potential for a drastic decline in the quality of life of ordinary citizens.

Another crucial point is that this analysis should have been conducted in Armenia rather than leaving it to others to do the work for us. This concerns our country, our economy, and the lives of our citizens. Conducting such an analysis ourselves would have demonstrated our seriousness and our genuine sense of responsibility. A full year before the elections, I set myself the goal of bringing together sectoral experts and highly qualified professionals to develop such scenarios and analyses. These documents should be prepared in Armenia in the first place, so that we do not keep deceiving ourselves with pretty lies and fairy tales. We must realize that this concerns our own lives. Moreover, had we carried out this work ourselves, we would be able to assess the efforts of others with much greater composure.

Finally, there is a third perspective that I consider important: the opportunities. These figures also have another side – namely, significant prospects for work and development. Why not take advantage of these opportunities without creating problems for ourselves within the EAEU? On the contrary, by developing within the EAEU and securing new opportunities, we should strive to strengthen our economy through access to additional markets and investment from various sources. We must not jeopardize the opportunities we already have; instead, we should leverage them to promote development and expansion and improve the well-being of our people.

Economic upheavals have begun across the globe and are unfolding right before our eyes. In my assessment, they will continue, as their root causes run deep. Under these circumstances, any additional major risks for a small nation like Armenia are simply unacceptable. We must proceed with great calm and restraint. Rather than dismantling what already exists, we should use it as a foundation to seize the opportunities presented by a changing world,” the message states.

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Armenia should be removed from the CSTO – Nikolai Bordyuzha

David Nargizian
Aysor, Armenia
Oct 28, 2026

Armenia should be removed from the CSTO because it is not participating in the organization’s activities, former CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“If they suspend their participation but do not withdraw, they remain full members of the CSTO. As long as they remain full members, all decisions – which are made by consensus – must take their position into account. Yet their current position is in significant contradiction with what is happening within the CSTO,” Bordyuzha emphasized.

In his view, the right course of action for Yerevan would be to withdraw from the CSTO entirely. If Armenia fails to do so, the organization itself should take the initiative.

“I would remove them. They do not pay their membership fees or participate in the organization’s work. In fact, they should simply get up and leave,” the former CSTO Secretary General stated.

Earlier, CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov said that the issue of Armenia’s withdrawal could be raised at a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council scheduled to take place in Moscow on November 11.

The CSTO currently comprises Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Armenia has announced that it is “freezing” its membership – a status not provided for in the organization’s charter – and has stopped paying its membership fees.

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“TRIPP is not a territory, but concession rights”: Armenian Deputy Prime Minis

Garnik Tadevosian
ARKA, Armenia
Oct 28, 2026
28.10.2026, 18:37

The TRIPP project concerns the issue of concession rights, stated Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.
YEREVAN, October 28. /ARKA/. The TRIPP project concerns the issue of concession rights, stated Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.

“I’ll give an example with the airport. The airport has also been granted a concession right, which has nothing to do with the territory. In this sense, the concept of occupancy of the Zvartnots Airport territory as such does not exist,” Grigoryan noted on Wednesday during government hour in parliament.

According to him, this right establishes operating rules and provides the opportunity to operate the facility for a certain period, also providing for the possibility of termination.

The Deputy Prime Minister also explained that this concerns concession rights for five or six potential infrastructure facilities, and in the future, also for gas and oil pipelines.

“These facilities will be located in different locations, and the territory they pass through has no bearing on the concession framework,” Grigoryan said.

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US touting small nuclear reactors for use in Caucasus and Central Asia

Tambiyan Samvel
Eurasianet
Oct 28, 2026

Armenian and Kazakh officials remain open to idea.

Oct 28, 2026

The United States is making a fresh push to promote the use American nuclear energy technology in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

Shawna J. Wilson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security Programs, traveled to both regions recently for meetings with Armenian and Kazakh officials that explored ways to advance US nuclear cooperation with both countries. 

The United States and Armenia finalized a nuclear cooperation deal in February during a visit to Yerevan by Vice President JD Vance. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, signed an agreement in late 2025 covering US training assistance for Kazakh technicians in the nuclear sector.

US cooperation has focused on the construction and safe operation of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Wilson’s discussions in Kazakhstan paid “particular attention” to Kazakh participation in the US-led FIRST program, which, according to the State Department, “provides capacity-building support to partner countries as they develop their nuclear energy programs to support clean energy goals.” 

According to an account published by the Kazakh state news agency Kazinform, both sides during the October 27 talks “confirmed their mutual interest in further developing Kazakh-American cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.” Kazakhstan presently has plans to build three large-scale nuclear facilities, to be built by Russian and Chinese firms.

In Armenia, Wilson met with Narek Apitonyan, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure official leading the country’s efforts to develop its nuclear capacity. Armenia is currently considering options to replace its antiquated Metsamor nuclear plant, an issue that has stoked competition between Russia and the United States to secure the contract.

After expressing initial enthusiasm for SMRs, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently indicated that small reactors may not fit Armenia’s needs, an announcement that seemingly put Russia back in the lead in the race to build a new nuclear facility.

But Apitonyan, in comments posted on the ministry’s Facebook account, suggested that the United States will have a role in Armenia’s nuclear future. 


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Armenian parliament ratifies framework agreement on Trump Route (TRIPP) projec

Adrine Hakobian
JAM News
Oct 28, 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

The parliament of Armenia has ratified a framework agreement on strategic co-operation under the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project. The parties initialled the document during Marco Rubio’s visit to Yerevan on 26 May 2026 and signed the final version remotely just a few days later.

TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) is a road that will connect Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenian territory. The project also aims to reopen regional transport links. As a result, Armenia will gain access to third countries via Azerbaijan.

For several years, Yerevan and Baku could not agree on this issue. Azerbaijan demanded a road that it called the “Zangezur corridor”. Armenia’s authorities said they were ready to reopen all transport routes but rejected the term “corridor”, arguing that it implied a loss of Armenian control and sovereign rights over the territory.

The two sides reached an agreement only on 8 August in Washington. Under the deal, the road will remain under Armenia’s sovereign control, while the US will join the project as a business partner. The initiative took the name “Trump Route” after the US president, who mediated the agreement.

Parliament ratified the agreement with 63 votes in favour and 32 against. Only MPs from the ruling faction supported it.

The parliamentary opposition had announced in advance that it would vote against ratification of the framework agreement. Opposition MPs argued that the document took US and Azerbaijani interests into account but failed to protect Armenia’s interests.

MPs from the ruling faction, by contrast, believe the project will reopen regional transport links on the basis of reciprocity. In their view, this would benefit Armenia economically. The opposition disagrees, pointing to the lack of any financial assessments.

Debates on ratifying the TRIPP project began in parliament the previous day. MPs had only two hours for the discussion. However, opposition lawmakers managed to raise all their concerns and put forward several proposals.

  • Head of US-based TRIPP+ foundation holds talks in Armenia: Key takeaways
  • Trump Route: Western illusion or turning point in South Caucasus?
  • “Trump Route” will create conditions for new investment in Armenia – economist

Opposition MP on the interests of the US, Armenia and Azerbaijan

Anna Grigoryan, head of the opposition Armenia faction, noted that Armenia and the United States had signed a bilateral document concerning the implementation of TRIPP. However, she said, the document also refers to a third party — Azerbaijan.

“Azerbaijan’s interests are actually reflected in this document more directly and clearly than the interests of the Republic of Armenia.”

Grigoryan also outlined what she believes each side stands to gain from the project.

“The US gains a direct presence in the region, particularly along the border with Iran, in a strategically crucial area. Azerbaijan secures a link between Nakhchivan and the rest of the country — a goal that both Azerbaijan and Turkey have long pursued.”

When asked what Armenia stands to gain, she said the question was harder to answer.

“When the political majority tries to answer this question, the first word they use is ‘unblocking’. But on the ground, no transport links are being reopened and no borders are opening. So that part of the answer does not reflect reality.”

‘TRIPP project will move forward slowly’: US discusses regional connectivity agenda

The US believes it is too early to begin construction of the Trump Route, which will connect Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhchivan, given the project’s technical complexity and geopolitical sensitivity.

Should the launch of TRIPP be linked to the signing of a peace treaty?

Narek Karapetyan, leader of the opposition Strong Armenia faction, is concerned that Azerbaijan may lose its incentive to sign a peace treaty once the Trump Route begins operating.

“Azerbaijan gets what it set out to achieve, while what we are supposed to get — peace — could be postponed for five to ten years. Why would they sign a peace treaty with Armenia if they are already getting a link to Nakhchivan?”

Official Yerevan has not ruled out the possibility that the Trump Route could begin operating before Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a peace treaty.

The MP argues that the two important issues should not be treated separately. He proposes linking the implementation of the Trump Route to the signing of a peace treaty.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan disagreed. In his view, it is a positive development that TRIPP can proceed without depending on the signing of a peace treaty.

“If you argue that we should not implement this project in order to secure the signing of a peace treaty, you are saying that TRIPP is a bad initiative for Armenia. But TRIPP is by no means a bad initiative for Armenia.”

The ruling party representative welcomed the prospect of “elements of peace taking shape on the ground” independently of the peace treaty. By “elements of peace”, Rubinyan means both the launch of the Trump Route and the ongoing process of delimiting and demarcating the border between the two countries.

Background to the Trump Route project

The Trump Route offers Armenia a real opportunity to reopen regional transport links. For Azerbaijan, it provides the shortest route connecting the country with Nakhchivan.

The project envisages using the railway along a stretch of about 43km through Armenian territory. A motorway, energy infrastructure and digital communications links will also run through the area.

All infrastructure located on Armenian territory will remain under Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction.

The ratified framework agreement provides for the establishment of TRIPP Development Company, which will oversee the project’s development and implementation.

Initially, the US will own 74% of the company’s shares and Armenia will hold 26%. After 49 years, if the parties extend their co-operation for a further 50 years, Armenia’s stake will rise to 49%. Armenia will grant TRIPP Development Company exclusive rights to use and develop land, along with other necessary powers within the areas allocated to the project, for 49 years.

Armenia and the US still need to agree on and adopt the company’s charter and shareholder agreement.

It also remains unclear what border-crossing arrangements will apply to Armenian citizens travelling through Nakhchivan.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the two sides had yet to agree on the technical details of travel through Azerbaijani territory.

“We still need to discuss these issues with Azerbaijan. They fall within the framework of Armenia–Azerbaijan relations.” Armenia–Azerbaijan relations.”

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Azerbaijan has received everything it demanded from Armenia; unilateral conces

Alex Jidarian
Aysor, Armenia
Oct 28, 2026

It is unacceptable for Azerbaijan to secure an unhindered route while a peace treaty remains unsigned, Tigran Abrahamyan, secretary of the Strong Armenia faction in the National Assembly, said speaking with Aysor.am.

“This situation allows Azerbaijan to put forward new preconditions. In reality, this is not peace; these are concessions without peace,” Abrahamyan noted.

According to him, Azerbaijan has realized that it has obtained everything it sought from the Armenian side, from Artsakh to the Goris-Kapan road.

“Unilateral concessions must come to an end,” the secretary of the Strong Armenia faction emphasized.

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