Putin and Pashinyan hold contentious talks in Moscow

Chmshkian Vicken
OC Media
Apr 2 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Wednesday. The sides discussed bilateral issues, as well as Armenia’s relations and ongoing projects with the EU and the US. Putin again manipulated the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO)’s inaction against the Azerbaijani attack on Armenia in 2022.

The two leaders made lengthy televised remarks, which in total lasted around 20 minutes.

Both parties praised bilateral relations, with Putin calling them ‘special’ and formed ‘over centuries’, and Pashinyan assessed them as ‘very deep, very important for us’.

Putin also praised their economic relations saying that they were ‘developing at a good pace’. He compared Armenia’s trade turnover with that of Azerbaijan, saying that it was $4.9. billion, unlike Armenia, which complied in 2025, it was $6.4 billion.

However, this was a significant drop from the 2024 figure, which amounted to $11 billion. While Russia has attributed the trade decline with Armenia’s warming relations with the EU, economists have suggested that a sharp decline in Armenia’s re-exports of Russian gold was behind the drop.

Following his meeting, Pashinyan assessed the visit as ‘very successful’ in a weekly press conference on Thursday.

‘We have reached concrete agreements in several areas; in fact, we have secured specific agreements across our entire agenda, from culture to military-technical cooperation’, Pashinyan said.

However, following the meeting, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksei Overchuk accused Armenia of coming ‘very close to the point where we will have to restructure our economic relations with this country’.

As Pashinyan arrived in Moscow, a protest was held against him near the Armenian Embassy in Moscow, while at the hotel, a man approached Pashinyan, requesting that he pose with his child for a photo so that they would always remember who ‘handed over’ Nagorno-Karabakh.

EU vs EAEU

During the talks, Putin stated that Russia views the developing relations between Armenia and the EU with ‘complete calm’. At the same time, Putin underscored the impossibility of being in a customs union with the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

‘It is simply impossible. And the issue is not even political, but purely economic in nature’, Putin said.

In turn, Pashinyan noted that they were aware of the incompatibility, ‘but what we are doing and the agenda that we have are, at least for the moment, compatible’.

‘And as long as there is an opportunity to combine these agendas, we will continue to combine them. And when the processes reach the point where it will be necessary to make a decision, I am sure that we, I mean the citizens of Armenia, will make that decision’, Pashinyan said.

He further assured that in that context, Armenia’s relations with Russia ‘have never been and will never be questioned’.

Putin repeat his manipulation regarding the CSTO’s inaction

Armenia ‘froze’ its membership in the CSTO in February 2024, citing the refusal of the alliance to aid Armenia in the face of Azerbaijani attacks in 2021 and 2022.

However, Putin shifted the blame to Pashinyan’s government’s recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan in Prague in 2022.

‘The CSTO’s intervention in this process, which has acquired an intra-Azerbaijani nature, was simply absolutely wrong in this matter, related to the reunification of Karabakh, if we consider it part of Azerbaijan’, Putin said.

Putin repeated earlier remarks he had made at the CSTO summit in Kazakhstan in 2024, which Armenia had boycotted, when he claimed that the CSTO had no involvement in the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh and further insisted that ‘there was no aggression against Armenia’.

The statement caused outrage in Armenia at the time. Armenian fact-checkers quickly debunked the claims, proving that Armenia did not ask for help from the CSTO during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, but instead appealed for military assistance during the Azerbaijani attack on Armenia in September 2022.

In his response during Wednesday’s meeting, Pashinyan insisted that in 2022, ‘CSTO mechanisms should have been activated, but they were not activated, and this, of course, led to the situation that we have in relations with the CSTO’.

Discussion on Karapetyan’s arrest

Putin also appeared to touch on Russian–Armenian tycoon Samvel Karateptyan’s criminal case in the context of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections on 7 June.

He noted that in Armenia there were ‘many political forces that have a pro-Russian position’ and that Russia would like them to ‘be able to participate in this domestic political work during the elections’.

‘Some, I know, are in places of detention, despite the fact that they have Russian passports’, Putin said. He added that they did not intend to interfere in Armenia’s domestic affairs, ‘but we would like them to at least be able to participate in this domestic political process’.

He appeared to be referring to Karapetyan, who has been placed under house arrest since December 2025.

Karapetyan has been charged with calling for a coup following a statement in support of the Armenian Apostolic Church amid the government–Church confrontation that escalated in May 2025.

‘If the politicians fail, then we will participate in our own way in all of this’, Karapetyan said to News.am back in June 2025.

Although Karapetyan has been named the candidate for Prime Minister of his newly formed Strong Armenia party, he is ineligibility for the role according to current legislation.

Pashinyan emphasised Armenia’s democratic nature and civil freedoms in his response, noting that according to Armenian legislation, ‘only those citizens who have exclusively Armenian passports can participate in these elections’.

‘That is, with all due respect, but persons with Russian passports, according to the constitution of the Republic of Armenia, cannot be either a candidate for [MP] or a candidate for Prime Minister. There are no restrictions here’, Pashinyan concluded.

Armenian railway management

In his Thursday press briefing, Pashinyan said that during the meeting with the Russian side, they ‘discussed in detail’ Armenia’s proposal of the transfer of the management rights of Armenia’s railway network — currently held by Russia — to a third party.

In February, Pashinyan said that a country with ‘friendly relations’ with both Russia and Armenia could ‘purchase the concession management rights’ of Armenia’s railways, which are currently under Russian management as part of a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2008.

Pashinyan cited Armenia’s ‘loss of its competitive advantage’ with the railways being managed by Russia.

On Thursday, Pashinyan said that they ‘agreed to continue the discussions’ regarding this issue.

At the same time, he stated that Armenia did not have any intention to unilaterally terminate its railway concession with Moscow.

However, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk told the Russian state-run media outlet TASS there were ‘no objective reasons for selling’ the South Caucasus Railway concession to a third party.

‘What we are witnessing in the turmoil surrounding the railway concession fits into the political logic of the Armenian leadership’s proclaimed rapprochement with the EU, which is experiencing economic decline and is transforming into a military-political bloc hostile to Russia’, Overchuk stated.

He also claimed that the agreement on the Trump Route, intended to connect Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan through Armenia, ‘upset the regional balance’.

Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova expressed Moscow’s readiness ‘not only to provide expert assessments, but also to cooperate in a number of fields’ with Armenia regarding cyber attacks.

The comment came in response to a statement from Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in March.

Responding to a question about the possibility of requesting similar support from Russia to tackle hybrid attacks, as they did from the EU, Mirzoyan noted — ‘If Russia has its own experience in combating hybrid attacks and is ready to share it, we are not against it. Let them share it, and we will see what kind of experience it is’.

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Armenian PM strikes combative tone in talks with Putin

Ani Kharatian
Intellinews
Apr 2 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan adopted an assertive tone during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 1, with sharp differences emerging over elections, security ties and Armenia’s geopolitical direction.

Speaking at a joint press conference in the Kremlin, both leaders sought to emphasise continued cooperation, but their remarks revealed underlying tensions in the relationship between the traditional allies.

Ahead of Armenia’s June general election, Putin pointing to the presence of pro-Russian figures who, he said, should be allowed to participate fully in the country’s political life.

“In Armenia we have many friends, many, we know that. Many Armenians live in the Russian Federation… we consider it more than 2 million people,” Putin said. “And there are many political forces that have a pro-Russian position.”

He added: “We would very much like all these political parties, political figures to be able to participate in this internal political work during the elections. Some, I know, are in places of detention, despite the fact that they have a Russian passport. That is your decision, we do not interfere, but we would like them to be able to participate, at least, in this internal political process.”

Pashinyan pushed back firmly, underlining Armenia’s democratic credentials. “As for our domestic political processes… Armenia is a democratic country, and we almost always have political processes,” he said. “In fact, twice a year we hold municipal elections… I want to say that we have citizens who think that there is too much democracy in Armenia. But this is a matter of principle for us.”

He added that “social networks are 100% free in our country, there are no restrictions at all”. 

Directly addressing Putin’s remarks, Pashinyan said: “To be honest, we do not have participants in political processes in places of detention.”

He also drew a constitutional red line on foreign citizenship: “Only those citizens who have exclusively Armenian passports can participate in these elections… with all due respect, but persons with Russian passports… cannot be either candidates for deputies or candidates for prime minister.”

Balancing act between EU and Russia

Differences also surfaced over Armenia’s deepening ties with the European Union, an issue Moscow has watched closely.

Putin struck a pragmatic but cautionary tone. “We see that Armenia is discussing developing relations with the European Union. We are completely calm about this,” he said. “We understand that any country seeks maximum benefits from cooperation with third countries.”

However, he warned: “Being in a customs union with the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union is impossible. It is simply impossible by definition… this isn’t even a political issue, but a purely economic one.”

Pashinyan acknowledged the incompatibility but suggested Yerevan would continue to navigate both tracks for as long as possible.

“As long as it’s possible to combine these agendas, we will do so,” he said. “And when processes develop to the point where a decision must be made, I am confident that the citizens of the Republic of Armenia will accept it.”

At the same time, he sought to reassure Moscow: “Our relations with the Russian Federation have never been and never will be in question, because these ties and relations are very deep and non-negotiable.”

Putin also highlighted Russia’s economic role as a trade partner for Armenia and particularly in energy supplies.

“The price of gas in Europe exceeds $600 per 1,000 cubic meters, and Russia sells gas to Armenia for $177.5,” he said. “The difference is big. The difference is significant.”

The comment appeared aimed at reinforcing the tangible benefits of Armenia’s partnership with Russia at a time when Pashinyan has said Yerevan will seek closer ties with the EU. 

CSTO tensions remain unresolved

Longstanding disagreements over Armenia’s relationship with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) also resurfaced. Armenia has frozen its membership of the organisation and taken steps to formally withdraw after Yerevan failed to secure CSTO support during fighting with Azerbaijan in 2022. 

Putin linked the bloc’s inaction during recent regional crises to Armenia’s own political decisions, particularly its recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

“After you accepted in Prague in 2022 that Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan, the CSTO’s intervention… was simply absolutely wrong,” he said.

Pashinyan, however, reiterated his government’s frustration with the alliance. “We have never hidden our problems with the CSTO,” he said. “In 2022 we had a specific situation… and, in my opinion, the CSTO mechanisms should have been activated, but they were not activated.”

He added that Armenia has effectively suspended participation in the bloc’s activities: “We are not currently participating in the work of the CSTO for a simple reason: we are still unable to explain to our people… why the CSTO did not respond, despite the obligations that exist.”

Despite the pointed exchanges, both leaders stopped short of signalling a rupture. Instead, the meeting highlighted a relationship under strain, as Armenia seeks greater autonomy in foreign and domestic policy while Russia emphasises the benefits of alignment. The public airing of disagreements, however, suggested a shift in tone, with Pashinyan more openly challenging Moscow on issues that have long simmered beneath the surface.

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Armenian government to decide fate of $500,000 Zayed Prize awarded to Pashinya

Emil Lazarian
JAM News
Apr 2 2026
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has submitted a document to the Corruption Prevention Commission to register the $500,000 prize he received.

He received the money as part of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The organisers honoured Pashinyan “in recognition of his consistent efforts to promote peace”. He shared the award with the president of Azerbaijan. The total prize fund amounted to $1 million.

Under Armenian law, officials must transfer gifts worth more than 60,000 drams ($160) to the state. This rule covers gifts and souvenirs received

  • during official visits, events, working trips or business travel,
  • from foreign states, international organisations or other entities.

Here is what is known so far about the fate of the prize money received by Pashinyan.

  • ‘Peace is strengthening’: outcomes of the third meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani experts
  • Opinion: ‘Sentences handed down to Armenians in Baku do not fit the peace agenda’
  • ‘First economic deal since independence’: Azerbaijani petrol arrives in Armenia

Prize classified as a “gift”

The Corruption Prevention Commission has classified the cash prize as a gift received by Pashinyan in the course of his official duties.

After registration, the authorities will transfer the gift to the State Property Management Committee. A local TV channel asked what would happen to the funds.

“At present, the issue is under procedures carried out by the committee in line with the rules approved by Armenian government decree No. 956 of 20 June 2024,” the body said.

The decree states that the committee “manages gifts that have become state property”.

Later, reports said the Armenian government plans to open an extra-budgetary deposit account at the finance ministry’s treasury to manage the prize funds. The authorities intend to transfer the money to this account. They will then allocate it to cover expenditures approved by the government. Officials say this “mechanism will ensure transparency in the management of the funds.”

‘I have not yet decided how to spend the money’ — Pashinyan

During a briefing in early March, journalists asked Armenia’s prime minister whether the funds had already been transferred and whether he had decided how to spend them.

“Yes, the money has already been transferred. But I have not yet decided how to spend it. I do not rule out revising my earlier decision and plans. If that happens, I will inform you,” the prime minister said.

However, Pashinyan did not specify what decision he was referring to.

He had addressed the issue earlier in February, before the funds were transferred.

“I am considering which public purposes or needs these funds should support. Once we make a concrete decision, we will announce it,” Nikol Pashinyan said at the time.

Context

On 4 February in Abu Dhabi, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented the award.

In his speech, the Armenian prime minister stressed that although the award recognises the leaders of the two countries, it represents an achievement of both the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples.

“This ceremony is not only about celebrating a peace agreement, but also about Armenia and Azerbaijan confirming that the chapter of conflict is closed. Otherwise, it would make no sense for the president of Azerbaijan or for me to come here and receive this award,” Pashinyan said.

He also said the Zayed Prize symbolises support for peace from both the Muslim and Christian worlds. According to him, it will help strengthen peace in the region.

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Piggybacking on Armenia and West deals, India’s arms exports rocket upwards

Dabaghian Diana
The Statesman, India
Apr 2 2026

India has emerged as among the 25 largest exporters of arms in thew world by selling some USD 4.11 billion or Rs 38,424 crore worth of defence equipment in 2025-26, with much of it going to Armenia which imported about USD 2 billion worth of Akash-1S Surface-to-Air Missile systems, Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers and Swathi weapon-locating radars and ATAGS howitzers.

Jayanta Roy Chowdhury


India has emerged as among the 25 largest exporters of arms in thew world by selling some USD 4.11 billion or Rs 38,424 crore worth of defence equipment in 2025-26, with much of it going to Armenia which imported about USD 2 billion worth of Akash-1S Surface-to-Air Missile systems, Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers and Swathi weapon-locating radars and ATAGS howitzers.

The hike in Indian armament sales over the previous 2024-25 is about 62 per cent, a government statement said. Besides Armenia, India is selling armament components to the USA, France, Russia and Israel, and complete defence systems to the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Maldives, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Mauritius, Seychelles, Nigeria, Botswana, Suriname and Kenya.

“With the recent spate of hostilities between US, Israel and Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, most countries will be increasing their defence imports as a reflective measure and since India’s missiles and air defence systems have battlefield provenance and are cost-effective, demand for them is likely to go up,” Commodore Ranjit Rai, former Director of Naval Intelligence, told UNI.

The two top favourites from India in the arms market are the BrahMos, which is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles, while Pinaka, often dubbed ‘baby BrahMos’, is seen as a cost-effective, high-precision artillery rocket system at competitive prices.

“We have been steadily increasing our exports of Pinaka and Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles. Philippines bought some USD 375 million worth of Brahmos in 2024, then last year Indonesia became a customer for our cruise missile and now Vietnam, which has bought a few naval crafts, is finalising a deal for USD 400 million of Brahmos missiles,” said Commodore Rai.

India’s armament support for Armenia, which has fought two wars in 2016 and 2020 with Azerbaijan, is because of a mix of historical ties and modern geopolitical strategy where India and Russia have been trying to counterbalance the “Three Brother Alliance” between Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

“Following Russia’s focus on the war in Ukraine, Armenia turned to India for reliable, high-tech weaponry that is easily compatible with its existing Russian-origin systems,” defence ministry officials said on condition of anonymity.

Armenia is also a critical node in India’s ambition to reach European markets without passing through Pakistan or China-controlled routes and that former Soviet province is a key partner in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) project, which could connect India to Europe via Iran.

India’s arms exporter tag is new, as New Delhi was better known as the world’s second largest arms importer, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s 2026 fact sheet, “India was the world’s second largest recipient of major arms in 2021–25 with an 8.2 per cent share of total global arms imports.”

In a statement on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the strategic transition underway, noting that India, historically reliant on imports, is now “moving fast” toward becoming an exporter of defence equipment.

India currently exports defence products to more than 80 countries, spanning a wide spectrum that includes artillery systems, drones, electronics, and naval platforms. “The expansion reflects a broader policy push toward indigenisation, with the government promoting domestic manufacturing across domains ranging from small arms to fighter aircraft and submarines, often in collaboration with foreign partners,” government officials added.

While state-run ordinance factories accounted for nearly 55 per cent of defence exports out of India in 2025-26, private manufacturers such as L&T, Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Defence and Bharat Forge, which manufacture components for Western arms manufacturers or for systems exported from India, accounted for nearly 45 per cent of the exports.

“This duality underscores both the scale of India’s defence requirements and the transitional nature of its drive toward self-reliance and export competitiveness,” said Commodore Rai.


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Armenia Discussing New Nuclear Power Plant With Russia

Boshkezenian Garik
Russia’s Pivot to Asia
Apr 2 2026

Published on April 2, 2026

EN RU

Armenia is working with Russia on the construction of a new nuclear power plant, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated, saying that “we’re cooperating with Russia in the energy sector; we have traditionally very strong ties and cooperation. We’re now working with Russia very closely in order to develop in the sphere of new technologies in energy.”

He was speaking at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Pashinyan added “But we are completely transparent in these issues, because we’re not hiding the fact that we’re discussing these issues not only with our Russian partners but also with other partners, because we are looking for the most beneficial offer for Armenia.”

Armenia has one nuclear power unit (Unit 2, Armenian NPP (ANPP), also sometimes referred to as Metsamor NPP) in operation, which provides about one-third of domestic electricity, while its Unit 1 is in permanent shutdown. The existing Unit-2 is old Soviet-era technology; however, in December 2024, after discussions by an Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission, a decision was made to extend the life of the plant until 2036. The NPP is monitored by Rosatom. 

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Cyprus marks Armenian Genocide anniversary with renewed calls for recognition

Arsine Chaltikian
Cyprus Mail
Apr 2 2026

Cyprus marks Armenian Genocide anniversary with renewed calls for recognition

Parliament renewed calls on Thursday for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide as MPs marked its 111th anniversary in parliament.

House speaker Annita Demetriou informed the plenary that “the Armenian tragedy remains unjust to this day”, pointing to continued Turkish denial.

“Turkey not only refuses to recognise the genocide but continues its expansionist policy to the detriment of its neighbouring peoples,” she said, adding that Cyprus itself continues to feel the consequences.

Demetriou highlighted Cyprus’ perennial position on the issue, remarking that the House recognised the genocide in 1975.

“April 24, 1990, was declared a National Day of Remembrance, and in 2015 the denial of the Armenian Genocide was criminalised in Cyprus to this end,” she said.

She described the events of 1915 as “one of the most heinous crimes against humanity”, recalling how the arrest and execution of Armenian intellectuals in Istanbul marked the start of a systematic campaign of extermination.

“Cyprus will continue to offer its undivided support to our Armenian compatriots,” Demetriou affirmed, stressing their “valuable and timeless contribution” to Cypriot society.

She concluded with a call for accountability, stating that “only through truth, justice and respect for international law can peace and be built.”

Parliament observed a minute of silence following her address.

In a parallel intervention, Vartkes Mahdesian, representative of the Armenian community, criticised what he described as international inconsistency in dealing with Turkey.

“The law of the strong prevails,” he said, arguing that while violations are “verbally condemned”, major powers continue to support Ankara in practice.

Mahdesian reiterated that more than a century after the killings, “Turkey continues to deny the Armenian Genocide, even criminalising its mention”, referring to restrictions under Turkish law.

He characterised the events between 1915 and 1923 as “an unprecedented systematic attempt to exterminate the Armenians”, remarking that around 1.5 million people were killed or displaced.

He also drew parallels with Cyprus’ own history, referring to “common pain” between Armenians and Cypriots and a “common struggle for dignified survival”.

Mahdesian thanked the state for being among the first to recognise the genocide and for criminalising its denial.

He warned against inaction in the present, stating that failure to hold perpetrators accountable risks enabling future atrocities.

“It is important not to allow impunity, since in doing so we indirectly encourage the commission of new genocides,” he said.

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Pashinyan’s Chief of Staff Reassures Public on Referendum Amid Regional Uncer

Kajoyan Gevork
Caucasus Watch
Mar 31 2026

On March 27, Arayik Harutyunyan, the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Armenia, addressed journalists during a briefing, commenting on constitutional reforms, regional developments, and Armenia’s foreign policy engagements.

“I’m not as pessimistic about this issue as the Prime Minister,” Harutyunyan stated, referring to Nikol Pashinyan’s remarks about holding another referendum if the new constitution is not adopted. He expressed confidence that the government and its political team would be able to effectively communicate the importance of the referendum to the public and secure support. “I think we should stick to Plan A, and there won’t be any problems… in all likelihood, we will go with this option,” he emphasized, while noting that ongoing outreach suggests alternative scenarios could also be viable.

Commenting on a proposal by former parliamentarian Hovik Agazaryan to amend the current constitution instead of adopting a new one, Harutyunyan declined to engage, stating: “I will not comment on Agazaryan… he, like his colleague Aslanyan, has crossed the boundaries of political decency and partnership.”

He also noted that the government’s campaign in the regions has been progressing more successfully than anticipated. Addressing the border demarcation process, Harutyunyan explained that discussions are ongoing at the level of deputy prime ministers, although no active work is currently taking place on the ground. “The pipeline passed through a certain area; it is being moved to a safer zone… everyone is doing their homework to achieve something,” he stated.

Regarding recent comments by Nikol Pashinyan about the TRIPP project not being a priority for Washington due to US military involvement, Harutyunyan noted that while military actions may dominate attention, cooperation in other areas continues. “The American side is working with Armenia,” he stated.

Touching on regional tensions, particularly around Iran, Harutyunyan refrained from making detailed forecasts but outlined the broader impact of instability. “What is happening in the region is creating additional tensions and problems for all neighboring countries,” he said, adding that such developments disrupt supply chains, affect economies, and can have varying consequences across countries. He warned that a prolonged crisis would inevitably affect Armenia as well, despite preparatory measures taken earlier.

https://caucasuswatch.de/en/news/pashinyans-chief-of-staff-reassures-public-on-referendum-amid-regional-uncertainty.html

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Mirzoyan Engages in Regional Diplomacy with Azerbaijan, Iran, And Qatar

Arbi Tashjian
Caucasus Watch
Mar 31 2026
31 Mar 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

On March 27–28, Ararat Mirzoyan held phone talks with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Iran, and Qatar, discussing the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process, regional developments, humanitarian issues, and bilateral cooperation.

On March 27, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, held a phone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, focusing on the normalization process between the two countries. The ministers noted with satisfaction the positive developments in advancing normalization and also discussed regional issues, as well as cooperation within multilateral platforms.

On March 28, Mirzoyan held a separate phone call with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran. The interlocutors exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and explored possible ways to resolve the situation. Humanitarian issues and matters related to the multilateral agenda were also addressed.

On the same day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia spoke by phone with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, discussing the situation in the Middle East. Mirzoyan expressed concern over the escalation and the casualties resulting from ongoing developments, emphasizing the importance of regional stability and peace, as well as Armenia’s principled support for efforts aimed at achieving them. He also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided in addressing issues related to Armenian citizens stranded in Qatar due to widespread flight cancellations across the Middle East. Touching upon bilateral relations, the sides emphasized their political readiness to further expand cooperation, particularly highlighting the importance of economic ties and infrastructure projects.


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Armenian and Russian Leaders Highlight Peace With Azerbaijan, Transport Projec

Karakhanian Suren
Caucasus Watch
Mar 31 2026
2 Apr 2026 | News, Politics, Armenia

On April 1, Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, arrived in the Russian Federation for a working visit. He was welcomed at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport by Mikhail Galuzin, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. During his visit, a meeting was held at the Kremlin between Prime Minister Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation.

President Vladimir Putin welcomed Pashinyan, noting the ongoing internal political processes in Armenia ahead of the upcoming elections. “The main thing is that these internal political processes… should not harm our relations between Russia and Armenia in any way,” Putin stated. He emphasized the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries and affirmed that Russia’s policies will always consider the interests of the Armenian people.

Putin also discussed economic relations, noting that trade turnover between the two countries totaled $6.4 billion in 2025, with agricultural exports such as vegetables, fruits, and wine accounting for $1.2 billion. He contrasted this with Armenia’s trade with Azerbaijan, which stood at $4.9 billion, highlighting the significance of Russia-Armenia economic cooperation. Key sectors, including energy and agriculture, were identified as priorities for further collaboration.

Regarding Armenia’s relations with the European Union, Putin emphasized that membership in both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is economically incompatible. He noted differences in standards, such as phytosanitary regulations, and stressed that cooperation with the EU requires long-term alignment efforts. On energy, he pointed out that Europe pays over $600 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas, while Russia supplies Armenia at $177.5, emphasizing the strategic advantage of this arrangement.

Putin addressed security issues, particularly concerning Karabakh, reiterating that Armenia recognized the region as part of Azerbaijan in 2022 and that CSTO intervention during the process was inappropriate. He credited Pashinyan and the Azerbaijani leadership for stabilizing the situation, noting that transport routes are being reopened. Putin also underscored the presence of over two million Armenians in Russia and highlighted the importance of their political participation during Armenian elections.

In response, Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed gratitude for the invitation and the warm reception. He described Armenia-Russia relations as “deep and dynamically developing” and noted that peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan has strengthened ties, including reopening railway connections through Azerbaijan. Pashinyan emphasized transparency in energy projects, including cooperation on new energy technologies and a potential nuclear power plant. He also acknowledged Russia’s role in facilitating the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and praised Putin’s support throughout the process.

On domestic political matters, Pashinyan highlighted Armenia’s democratic processes, including municipal and parliamentary elections, and confirmed that only Armenian passport holders are eligible to participate. He expressed confidence that the upcoming elections will further strengthen democracy and bilateral relations with Russia.

On the same day, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk addressed reports of a possible transfer of the Russian concession for Armenia’s railways to Kazakhstan. Speaking to Vesti, he confirmed that Moscow had not been directly consulted on the issue. “No one is discussing the transfer of the concession with the Russian Federation… We only know about it from our colleagues in other countries,” Overchuk stated.

He also commented on Russian business sentiment toward Armenia, noting that discussions about EU accession have led to caution among Russian investors. “We’ve fallen from $12 billion to $6.4 billion in trade turnover for 2025… the talk about the European Union has caused Armenia and Russia to lose more than $5 billion combined,” Overchuk emphasized.


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West Texas A&M University World Music Festival to feature Armenian concert pia

Chalian Meline
My High Plains
Apr 2 2026

West Texas A&M University World Music Festival to feature Armenian concert pianist Dr. Hayk Arsenyan

by: Victoria Reyes

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — West Texas A&M University will highlight Armenian music at its second World Music Festival, showcasing diverse cultural sounds and traditions from around the globe.

According to WT officials, the festival is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Aug. 12 with a concert featuring Armenian concert pianist Dr. Hayk Arsenyan in Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall on WT’s Canyon campus. Admission is free. For more information, call 806-641-2840.

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Organizer Mila Abbasova, instructor of music theory and piano, is Armenian by birth but grew up in Azerbaijan.

“I grew up in a very international atmosphere, and my piano teacher was a very famous Armenian,” Abbasova said. “We always played music from Eastern Europe, but I never actually performed Armenian music in recital, so this is a very special concert for me. Music from my homeland touches my heart and brings memories back.”

The concert will also feature the WT Symphonic Band, directed by Don Lefevre, associate professor of music and director of bands, as well as performances by Jessica Schury Peckham, assistant professor of flute; Dr. Jenny Miller, adjunct professor of harp; and Kanani Crandall, WT alumna.

Arsenyan, a New York-based pianist and composer, has appeared in numerous recitals throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, in venues such as Carnegie Hall (New York), Salle Cortot (Paris), the Concourse (Sydney), Cadillac-Shanghai Concert Hall (China), Kumin Hall (Tokyo), Petranka Mozarteum (Prague), Auditorio Delibes (Valladolid), Dar-Al-Assad Opera House (Damascus), Sala Cervantes (Havana), MoBU (Sao Paolo), Tchaikovsky Hall (Moscow), Philippines National Museum (Bacolod), and televised recitals at the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago, the Phillips Collection Series in Washington, D.C., and at the Nixon Presidential Museum in Los Angeles.

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At the age of 11, Arsenyan made his debut at the Armenian Philharmonic performing his own “Requiem” for the piano and orchestra. At the age of 17, he made his European debut as a soloist with the Radio France National Philharmonic Orchestra and was awarded a platinum medal by the City of Paris. In 2007, Arsenyan debuted at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall performing with Pinchas Zukerman and the Manhattan Chamber Sinfonia.

A long-time professor at New York University’s Tisch School, Arsenyan has presented guest lectures and masterclasses at universities and conservatories around the globe.

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