Armen Pogossian Represents Armenia at Forbes Under 30 Summit China, Empowering

Khoyetsian Rose
Manila Times
June 1 2026

Armen Pogossian Represents Armenia at Forbes Under 30 Summit China, Empowering the Next Generation of Global Entrepreneurs

By PR Newswire

YEREVAN, Armenia, June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Armen Pogossian, Owner of Pogossian Luxury Brand House, became the first Armenian entrepreneur to appear within the Forbes Under 30 platform in China, marking a significant milestone for Armenian entrepreneurship, luxury craftsmanship, and international business representation.

Post-meeting dialogue with Armen Pogossian, Owner Pogossian Luxury Brand House

Pogossian was invited to participate in the 2024-2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit China, held at Zhengzhou Sias University in Henan Province alongside the 2026 Forbes China Economic Forum. His presence at the prestigious gathering highlighted not only his growing international profile, but also Armenia’s expanding voice in global entrepreneurship, luxury branding, and cross-border collaboration.

Held under the forward-looking theme “Jumpstarting the Future,” the two-day summit brought together an influential community of past and present Forbes China Under 30 honorees, global financial and business leaders, visionary investors, industry judges, academic pioneers, and senior Forbes China executives.

The summit opened with an exclusive welcome reception in the French Garden of Zhengzhou Sias University, where remarks were delivered by Herman Chik, Head of International Business at Forbes China, and Niu Xiaoyu, Party Secretary of Zhengzhou Sias University. The setting created a powerful atmosphere for dialogue, innovation, and connection among the next generation of leaders.

As part of the summit’s high-level dialogue, Armen Pogossian shared his perspective on the role of young entrepreneurs in shaping the future of global business.

“Future entrepreneurs do not simply follow trends; they create them in an ever-changing market. Bringing together individuals who share this vision of excellence makes transformative change inevitable. My experience at the Forbes Under 30 Summit proved that by exchanging ideas, embracing innovation, and remaining open to borderless collaboration, we can begin to see and shape a part of the future before it even arrives.”

Throughout the summit, Pogossian engaged with leading entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and business figures from across China and beyond. His participation reflected a broader mission: to connect Armenian excellence with international platforms that recognize talent, ambition, and future-focused leadership.

The summit’s main program featured five keynote speeches and three specialized roundtable forums, covering topics including AI-powered smart hardware, domestic computing power ecosystems, new consumer brand logic, and embodied intelligent robotics.

A major highlight of the event was the highly anticipated Under 30 Awards Gala, where honorees from the 2024 and 2025 Forbes China Under 30 lists were celebrated. The evening spotlighted the diversity, ambition, and vision driving China’s newest generation of business leaders.

During the summit, the elegantly designed Jardins d’Arménie booth attracted notable attention from guests, offering an immersive tasting experience that introduced attendees to the distinctive character and heritage of the royal brandy. The activation further strengthened Armenia’s cultural and luxury presence within the Forbes Under 30 environment.

Pogossian Luxury Brand House supported the successful execution of the summit alongside a prestigious group of corporate partners, including iSoftStone, Plug and Play China, Dreame AI Smart Ring, and MarcumAsia.

About Armen Pogossian

Armen Pogossian is the 27 year old owner of Pogossian Luxury Brand House, one of the fastest growing international luxury groups built on a family legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and excellence. Representing a new generation of Armenian entrepreneurs, Pogossian continues to expand the presence of innovative luxury across global markets.

About Pogossian Luxury Brand House

Since the early 1990s, the Pogossian family has been creating exceptional luxury products rooted in craftsmanship and refinement. Based in Armenia and present in more than 40 countries, Pogossian Luxury Brand House embodies a vision of creativity, excellence, and immersive brand experiences designed for an international clientele.


https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/06/02/tmt-newswire/pr-newswire/armen-pogossian-represents-armenia-at-forbes-under-30-summit-china-empowering-the-next-generation-of-global-entrepreneurs/2356183

—

Armenian PM rejects Putin’s call for referendum over EU trajectory

Emil Lazarian
TVP World
June 1 2026
Franciszek Józef Beszłej

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for a referendum on whether Armenia should remain in a Moscow-led economic bloc or move toward European Union membership, sharpening tensions days before a general election.

Formally allied to Russia, the Caucasus nation of around 3 million people has been deepening ties with the West in recent years despite its economic dependence on Moscow.  

‘Balanced’ foreign policy 

In a video published on Facebook on Monday, Pashinyan, who has led the South Caucasus country closer to the West, said a referendum would be illogical now because the choice between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EU was not yet “inevitable”. 

Pashinyan said Armenia should consider such a vote only if it formally applies to join the EU or comes close to receiving candidate status.  

He added that his government was pursuing a “balanced” foreign policy.  

Pashinyan’s comments came before he spoke to Putin on the phone on Monday. The Kremlin said the two leaders discussed last week’s EAEU summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, which Pashinyan did not attend.

Moscow raises pressure 

Russia recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations on Saturday, citing Yerevan’s steps toward closer ties with the EU. The Russian-led EAEU bloc has also warned it could consider suspending Armenia over its European course. 

Armenia has had close ties with Russia since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and Moscow remains its biggest trade partner.  

But relations worsened after Azerbaijan retook Nagorno-Karabakh, a region inside Azerbaijan that had been controlled for decades by ethnic Armenians, in 2023.  

Armenia says Russian peacekeepers deployed there failed to prevent Azerbaijan’s offensive or protect the Armenian population, which fled the region. 

Armenia’s parliament passed a law in 2025 to start the EU accession process, but Yerevan has not yet submitted a formal membership bid. 

Next Sunday’s parliamentary election is widely seen as a contest between Pashinyan’s pro-Western course and a pro-Russian opposition.  

Polls show the prime minister’s party ahead. US President Donald Trump has endorsed Pashinyan. 

This article includes reporting by Reuters 

Franciszek Józef Beszłej

—

Turkish Press: Russia expands restrictions on Armenian agricultural products

Emil Karabekian
Anadolu Agency, turkey
June 1 2026
Russia’s agricultural watchdog says measures are needed to protect phytosanitary safety in Russia and Eurasian Economic Union
Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor expanded restrictions on Armenian agricultural products on Monday, citing an increase in violations detected during imports.

The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision said in a statement that it had banned imports of Armenian grapes, cherries, sweet cherries and apricots.

The restrictions will take effect on June 2.

Rosselkhoznadzor said the measures were necessary to protect the phytosanitary safety of Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as well as to safeguard state support programs for domestic horticulture, fruit growing and viticulture.

The latest move broadens a series of restrictions recently imposed on Armenian exports.

Earlier, Rosselkhoznadzor suspended certification of fish products destined for Russia and banned imports of Armenian cucumbers, tomatoes, greens and strawberries.

Restrictions have also been imposed on imports of the mineral water brand Jermuk, as well as one Armenian brandy label and two wine brands.

The agency said the measures were linked to repeated violations identified in imported products.

—

EAEU Leaders Urge Armenia To Hold Referendum

Hovhannisian John
Eurasia Review
May 30 2026

The presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have called on Armenia to hold a nationwide referendum on the question of joining the European Union, according to the Kremlin press service.

“We share the view that a nationwide referendum should be held in the Republic of Armenia as soon as possible on whether to join the European Union or continue its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union,” the leaders said in a joint statement adopted following the summit in Astana, RIA Novosti reports.

The document also states that members of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will present a report in December on the potential consequences of suspending the application of the EAEU Treaty with respect to Armenia.

The four leaders further stressed the need to prevent any potential damage to the union that could result from Yerevan’s preparations for accession to the European Union.

Earlier in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Armenia to clarify its position regarding participation in either the European Union or the EAEU as soon as possible. He has repeatedly stated that every country has the right to choose its partners, but that simultaneous membership in both integration frameworks is not feasible.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not attend the summit in Kazakhstan, where the issue was expected to be discussed, citing his election campaign commitments. He has also stated that if Armenia decides to leave the EAEU, the process would be planned in advance and would not require a referendum.

—

Putin Warns Of EAEU Exit Costs For Armenia

Emma Jilavian
Eurasia Review
May 31 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin, following the conclusion of his visit to Kazakhstan, commented on the possible consequences for Armenia of leaving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

He warned that, if Armenia exits the EAEU, Yerevan would lose access to the existing free-trade agreements, RIA Novosti reported.

“We would be forced, in general, to discontinue almost all of our work with Armenia related to economic cooperation within the framework of integration processes,” he said.

Putin noted that Armenia would also face stricter requirements for road freight carriers, while migrants would have to obtain the appropriate work permits in order to work in Russia. In addition, Moscow would raise fuel and energy resource prices for Yerevan, which, according to his assessment, could cost the country 14 percent of its GDP.

“Lower energy prices: in Europe they are 600 euros, while here they are just over 150. These are incomparable figures. Everyone always talks about ‘energy resources’; that is important, but it is not the only advantage, not the only positive aspect,” he said.

Putin also recalled that the share of Russian capital in investments in Armenia has exceeded 86 percent.

“After the meeting in Yerevan, our European partners promised to invest €2.5 billion. How they will invest it and when they will invest it remains to be seen,” he added.

The president called for a referendum to be held as soon as possible to determine whether Armenia’s future lies in the EAEU or in the European Union. At the same time, he said that Yerevan’s economic decisions aimed at closer ties with the EU would not harm humanitarian relations with Russia, according to TASS.

“We would ask our Armenian partners and friends. Prime Minister Pashinyan himself has said that he plans, and considers it appropriate, to hold a referendum on where Armenia should be — in the Eurasian Economic Union or in the European Union. We would ask that this be done as soon as possible,” Putin said.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov described the situation surrounding Armenia’s membership in the EAEU and its plans to join the European Union as unprecedented.

Peskov recalled that Armenia had declared its orientation toward EU membership and adopted the relevant law. However, he said that EU membership is, from a regulatory standpoint, incompatible with EAEU membership, creating risks for integration processes.

“The situation is indeed unprecedented. Armenia says there will be a referendum on this issue, yet on the other hand, the law was adopted without a referendum. There are many contradictions in this situation. But every country has the sovereign right to choose, and everyone respects Armenia’s right to do so. However, this cannot be carried out at the expense of other states because EAEU membership nevertheless provides very significant advantages to participating countries,” Peskov said.

In the spring of 2025, Armenia adopted a law concerning the republic’s intention to join the European Union, although the EU itself has not offered the country membership. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Yerevan understands the incompatibility of simultaneously being a member of both the EU and the EAEU. At the same time, the country will continue coordinating its agenda with both organizations for as long as that remains possible.

Putin said Armenia should clarify its choice as soon as possible regarding participation in either the EU or the EAEU, after which it would be possible to proceed through a “soft and civilized separation.” Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said the situation surrounding Armenia was discussed at the EAEU summit in Astana, where the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan adopted a statement concerning the republic.

—

Don’t follow Ukraine’s path! Alexander Lukashenko warns Armenia

Emil Lazarian
Fakti, Bulgaria
May 30 2026

The comment comes amid discussions on deepening relations between Yerevan and the European Union

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has urged Armenia to exercise caution in making decisions about its future geopolitical orientation and warned against making mistakes that, in his opinion, led to the conflict in Ukraine.

“Armenians should be very careful, God forbid, so that what happened in Ukraine does not happen again… In Ukraine, everything started exactly like that. You remember that. So that they, the Armenians, who have just come out of a war, do not find themselves in a difficult situation because of this. There is no need to rush. We just need to think, we need to be wise. Before taking such a step [choosing rapprochement with the European Union over membership in Putin’s Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU – ed.)], the Armenian people should think very seriously,” Lukashenko told journalists on the sidelines of the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana on May 29, quoted by Interfax.

The comment comes amid discussions on deepening relations between Armenia and the European Union.

At the same time, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mger Grigoryan said that Yerevan is not considering a scenario of leaving the EAEU.

“When this issue becomes urgent, then we will have specific details and then we will conduct stress tests, if necessary. Right now, we are simply not considering this scenario,” Grigoryan stressed in an interview with Russian TV presenter Pavel Zarubin.


—

Happy birthday, Nikol Vovaevich! Russia has restricted the import of stone fru

Ani Kharatian
Eurasia Daily
June 1 2026
Today
20:55

Russia restricts the import of stone fruits and grapes from Armenia, as well as their transit to the EAEU countries. This is reported by the press service of the Rosselkhoznadzor.

“Starting from June 2, 2026, temporary restrictions will be imposed on the import of stone fruits… (cherries, cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines) and grapes of fresh origin and shipment to the Republic of Armenia, as well as on the transit of these products to the EAEU member states until the development of an appropriate algorithm to ensure the safety of shipped products,” — the message published on the agency’s website says.

It is noted that the Rosselkhoznadzor records frequent cases of violations in the supply of Armenian fruits to Russia and has repeatedly sent information about violations to the Armenian side. The ministry believes that the frequent cases are the result of the liquidation of the Ministry of Agriculture of Armenia and the transfer of its powers to the Ministry of Economy.

“Considering that recently the products supplied from Armenia do not meet the phytosanitary requirements of the EAEU and In Russia, it can be assumed that the Ministry of Economy of Armenia is experiencing structural problems and is not coping with the powers assigned to it after the abolition of the Ministry of Agriculture. The current situation threatens the phytosanitary well-being of the territory of Russia and the EAEU, as well as the implementation of state support programs for industrial horticulture, fruit growing and viticulture in Russia,” explained in Rosselkhoznadzor.

As EADaily reported, after inspecting fish processing enterprises and trout farms in Armenia, the Rosselkhoznadzor announced that from June 2, the Armenian side should suspend veterinary certification to Russian recipients of live fish and fish products.

The exception will be two enterprises that have passed the inspection. Fish products of the admitted two plants will be imported into Russia under the condition of laboratory monitoring of safety indicators.

Recall, today Russian President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Armenian President Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday.

More details: 
—

Armenia: Karabakh activist Artur Osipyan must be released

Chmshkian Vicken
June 1 2026

Armenia: Karabakh activist Artur Osipyan must be released

Artur Osipyan is being prosecuted by the Armenian authorities following a verbal confrontation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its Armenian member organisation Civil Society Institute (CSI) call for his release and the termination of all legal proceedings against him.

Paris, Yerevan, 1 June 2026. On 18 May 2026, during an election campaign event held by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan’s Arabkir district ahead of the Armenian parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June 2026, Artur Osipyan, an activist and refugee from Nagorno-Karabakh, publicly confronted Prime Minister Pashinyan. In particular, Osipyan addressed the situation of Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and the events surrounding the military operations in 2020–2023, and accused the Prime Minister of having “destroyed Artsakh” (the Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh) and of promoting Azerbaijani narratives regarding the conflict and displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nikol Pashinyan responded with threats such as “I will crush you“, and replied: “You should have gone and died in place of our children (…) Why are you alive? Why are you alive (…) You scumbag, why are you alive?” alluding to Azerbaijan’s 2023 military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, which forced over 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee Karabakh in a mass exodus.

Shortly after this verbal exchange, Armenian authorities arrested Artur Osipyan in Yerevan, and initiated criminal proceedings against him on charges including hooliganism (part 1 of Article 297 of the Armenian Criminal Code), obstruction of election campaigning (part 1 of Article 211 of the Criminal Code), and public calls for violence (point 3 of part 2 of Article 330 of the Criminal Code).

On 20 May 2026, the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan ordered his placement in pre-trial detention for a period of two months at the Nubarashen prison. At the time of publication of this statement, the authorities had not publicly specified which exact statements or acts constituted the basis for these accusations.

FIDH and CSI note with concern that Artur Osipyan started a hunger strike since the beginning of his detention, demanding a public apology from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. His lawyer has also raised concerns regarding his conditions of detention, including reports that he is being held in a damp cell without adequate sunlight, as well as his deteriorating health condition.

FIDH and CSI express serious concern regarding the criminalisation measures taken against Artur Osipyan. Public debate, including charged political exchanges, falls within the scope of freedom of _expression_ protected under the Armenian Constitution and international law. Public officials, particularly during electoral periods, must tolerate a higher degree of criticism.

FIDH and CSI recall that any restriction on freedom of _expression_ must comply with the requirements established under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), to which Armenia is a State party. In accordance with Article 10(2) of the ECHR, restrictions on freedom of _expression_ must be prescribed by law, pursue a legitimate aim, and remain necessary and proportionate in a democratic society. The arrest, criminal prosecution and pre-trial detention of Artur Osipyan following a verbal exchange with the Prime Minister are manifestly disproportionate and risk creating a chilling effect on political criticism and freedom of _expression_ during the electoral period.

FIDH and CSI strongly condemn the arrest, criminal prosecution and detention of Artur Osipyan, which appear to be politically motivated and aimed at silencing him and deterring other individuals from publicly criticising the policies of the Armenian authorities, and urge the Armenian authorities to immediately release Artur Osipyan and drop all charges against him.

  • Co-signatories
  • Member organisations – Armenia


Take action

—

Russia Restricts Fish Imports From Armenia as Diplomatic Tensions Rise

Frangulian Shushan
The Moscow Times
June 1 2026

Russia will suspend seafood imports from all but two of Armenia’s processing plants, the country’s agricultural safety watchdog said Monday, adding to a growing list of food and beverage restrictions as Yerevan pursues ties with the European Union.

Rosselkhoznadzor said its decision follows a week of field inspections of fish processing facilities in Armenia and of aquaculture farms specializing in trout breeding and rearing. Half of the companies refused to undergo the process, the agency claimed.

“Based on the results, Armenia must suspend all veterinary certification for shipments of live fish and seafood products bound for Russian recipients from all Armenian companies starting June 2,” Rosselkhoznadzor said.

Only two companies that successfully cleared the inspection process will be allowed entry into Russia “under laboratory safety monitoring.”

Russia recently restricted the sale or imports of Armenian produce, flowers, mineral water and alcoholic products over various health and safety violations. 

The series of curbs comes ahead of parliamentary elections in Armenia this Sunday, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party faces a challenge from an array of pro-Russian opposition groups. 

Moscow also threatened to rip up a 2013 bilateral agreement guaranteeing Armenia duty-free natural gas and oil if it continues to pursue closer relations with the European Union, including membership in the bloc.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday invoked what he called the “Ukrainian scenario” to warn Armenia against pursuing closer ties with the EU. He called on Armenia to hold a referendum on its economic future “as soon as possible,” saying it is “impossible to reconcile” membership in both the EU and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union.

Earlier on Monday, Putin sent a telegram wishing Pashinyan a happy 51st birthday.

“Relations between our countries and peoples have traditionally been friendly. We’re interested in their further steady development,” Putin said in the telegram.

Friction between traditional allies Russia and Armenia has grown since Azerbaijan regained control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Armenia accused Russia and its peacekeeping forces of failing to deter Baku’s military offensive and, in 2024, froze its participation in a Moscow-led regional security bloc.


—

And your fish is not very good: Rosselkhoznadzor stops the import of fish prod

Vanyan Gary
Eurasia Daily
June 1 2026
Today
12:57

After inspecting fish processing enterprises and trout farms in Armenia, the Rosselkhoznadzor announced that from June 2, the Armenian side should suspend veterinary certification to Russian recipients of live fish and fish products.

The exception will be two enterprises that have passed the inspection. Fish products of the admitted two plants will be imported into Russia under the condition of laboratory monitoring of safety indicators.

The inspection was carried out from May 21 to May 27, while 50% of enterprises refused to check.

As EADaily reported, since May 22, the Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed restrictions on the import of flowers from Armenia, and also suspended the sale of already imported batches of Jermuk mineral water. Since May 23, the sale in Russian alcoholic beverages of several leading Armenian companies. Since May 30, Russia has restricted the import of tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries from Armenia.

More details: 
—