Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan awarded Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) President Sam Simonian the 1st Class Order “For Services Rendered to the Homeland.”

The ceremony took place at President Khachaturyan’s office in Yerevan.

Simonian was recognized for his significant contributions to education, science, culture, economic development, and the preservation of Armenian identity, as well as for his long-standing and fruitful service, the President’s office said. 

President Khachaturyan congratulated Simonian, highly praising his long-standing patriotic service. The President wished him good health, new achievements, and continued success in his work.

YEREVAN, 6 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 6 August, USD exchange rate up by 0.11 drams to 366.25 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.17 drams to 422.73 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0152 drams to 4.4889 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.04 drams to 493.08 drams.

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

Gold price up by 1456 drams to 49534 drams. Silver price up by 29.41 drams to 721.41 drams.

Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan met on August 6 with Efe Celik, Regional Director of the international Subway brand, and Armenian investor Levon Hayrapetyan.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the meeting focused on the possibility of Subway entering the Armenian market and opening more than 60 outlets across the country.

The investment in each outlet is expected to range from approximately US$150,000 to US$300,000.

Company representatives said the project could help create new jobs, promote the development of an international franchising culture, increase the involvement of local suppliers, and introduce international standards in the food service sector.

Deputy Economy Minister Liliya Sirakanyan and Gohar Abajyan, Director of the Investment Support Centre Foundation, also attended the meeting.

Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan held a telephone conversation with Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko.

The two discussed issues related to the agenda of interparliamentary cooperation between Armenia and Russia, highlighting the importance of maintaining parliamentary dialogue and cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

They also discussed a number of issues related to the current stage of bilateral relations between Armenia and Russia.

Rubinyan said the unjustified restrictions on the export of Armenian goods to the Russian market were a matter of concern and stressed the importance of resolving the issue within the framework of the existing legal agreements between the two countries and the regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The agenda of relations between Armenia and the European Union was also discussed.

Rubinyan noted that the referendum expected by the Russian Federation on Armenia’s accession to the European Union could become practically possible only after Armenia formally applies for membership of the European Union and the process enters a substantive stage.

The two reaffirmed their readiness to continue an open dialogue with a view to further developing interparliamentary cooperation and strengthening mutual understanding on issues on the bilateral agenda.

Armenian Ambassador to Japan Monika Simonyan attended a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

According to the Armenian Embassy in Japan, representatives from 121 countries joined senior Japanese officials and residents of Hiroshima this year to pay tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing and pray for lasting peace around the world.

On the eve of the ceremony, the ambassador also visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, where she laid flowers at the memorial to the victims of the atomic bombing.

An international sports festival for people with disabilities was held in Yerevan from August 1 to 5 on the initiative of the Yerevan Municipality, featuring 13 sporting disciplines.

The festival brought together athletes with different abilities, promoting inclusion, healthy lifestyles and the creation of new opportunities through sport.

Winners and prize-winners of the competition were awarded medals, trophies and certificates.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed bilateral cooperation and the situation in the Middle East during a telephone conversation.

“During a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we discussed various aspects of further developing the special strategic partnership between India and Israel, which continues to grow stronger. We also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East,” Modi wrote on X, according to TASS.

In a separate statement, the Indian government’s press service said the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors for the benefit of both countries.

The two sides also agreed to remain in contact.