Armenian Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan will lead a delegation to Türkiye from 16–19 April to participate in the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, which will be held in Istanbul.

The Speaker’s office reported on Friday that the delegation will include MP Sargis Khandanyan (Civil Contract), Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs; MP Tsovinar Vardanyan (Civil Contract), Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs; and MP Hasmik Hakobyan (Civil Contract).

National Academy of Sciences press release 

In 2026–2027, Armenia will host the large-scale science outreach events European Researchers’ Night and Researchers at Schools for the first time.

The “ERNA – European Researchers’ Night in Armenia” proposal submitted by the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA) has succeeded the MSCA & Citizens 2025 Action organized by the European Commission.

The MSCA & Citizens 2025 call is implemented within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program, which is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework.

Out of 241 submitted proposals, 49 projects from 40 countries were selected. The European Commission allocated €16.3 million in funding for the implementation of these projects.

The ERNA project of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia will be implemented during 2026–2027 and will include two main program components:

1.      European Researchers’ Night

2.      Researchers at Schools

During these events, scientists, early-career researchers, and students will interact with citizens, school pupils, and young people, presenting the world of science through live experiments, demonstrations, public lectures, and interactive activities.

Following its moto “Science for Citizens, Citizens for Science: Building the Future by Confronting Challenges,” the ERNA project aims to:

promote direct dialogue between researchers and society, increase public awareness of science and innovation, present the role of scientists in modern society, strengthen young people’s interest in scientific and research careers.

The initiative is fully aligned with the functions assigned to the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia under the Law of the Republic of Armenia On Higher Education and Science. These functions include:

promoting the popularization and public communication of science, strengthening the scientific community and developing scientific expertise, expanding international cooperation in science and integrating Armenia into the European Research Area.

Through the implementation of the ERNA project, the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia not only represents the Armenian scientific community on the European stage but also fulfills its mission of bringing science closer to society, a responsibility assigned to the Academy by law.

The European Researchers’ Night initiative is held every year in hundreds of cities across Europe, attracting millions of visitors. In 2026 and 2027, this celebration of science will take place in Armenia for the first time, creating a new platform for active cooperation between science, education, and society.

This achievement is an important step toward a future where science is accessible to society, and where the younger generation sees science as a path for personal development and career opportunities.

The project partners are the Higher Education and Science Committee of MoESCS of RA, “Scientific and Innovation Partnership Assistance Center” Foundation, “Armbiotechnology” SPC, and Enterprise Incubator Foundation.

The official opening ceremony of the resident Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Switzerland took place on March 12 in Bern within the framework of the working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, to Switzerland. Ignazio Cassis, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, attended the ceremony.

The flag of the Republic of Armenia was raised in front of the Embassy, in the heart of Bern, in the historic district included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The national anthems of the two countries were performed, and following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the opening of the Embassy was officially announced.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, and the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, delivered welcoming and congratulatory remarks, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release. 

Minister Mirzoyan emphasized: “While our traditional presence in Geneva has already established a strong political dialogue, the relocation of the bilateral Embassy to the capital of Switzerland is an important step in the development of our bilateral relations and symbolizes our joint commitment to continuously strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, emphasized: “Our presence in the federal capital will make it possible to develop closer cooperation between our institutions and further strengthen the relations between our two countries.

In many traditions, it is customary to greet a new home with salt and bread. Bread symbolizes stability and continuity, while salt symbolizes taste and, traditionally, protection.

In this spirit, I lovingly invite all of you to share the salt and bread with us.”

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Switzerland and the guests of the event shared the “salt and bread” served at the Embassy.

Remarks by Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Ignazio Cassis are presented below.

Ararat Mirzoyan: “Dear Federal Councillor, Dear Ignazio,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today we stand in Bern to celebrate the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Swiss Confederation. While we have developed solid political dialogue through our traditional presence in Geneva, relocation of the bilateral Embassy to the capital city marks an important step in our bilateral relations and symbolizes our shared commitment to further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our two nations.

This new Embassy will serve as another home for Armenian diplomacy in Switzerland, but it will also serve as a bridge – connecting stronger our governments, our institutions, our businesses, and, most importantly, our people. 

But allow me first to express my deep appreciation to the Swiss authorities for their support and above all, dear Mr. Federal Councillor, for your personal engagement and presence here today with us which gives particular significance to this ceremony. I would also like to thank all the guests present today – representatives of the Swiss government, members of the diplomatic corps, our partners and friends – for joining us in celebrating this special day.

Dear colleagues,

Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Switzerland were established in 1992, shortly after Armenia regained its independence. Over the past three decades, our partnership has steadily developed across political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural fields. Our political dialogue has been strengthened through numerous reciprocal visits and meetings between the highest authorities of our countries. Close cooperation across a wide range of sectors – both bilaterally and multilaterally – as well as active inter-parliamentary engagement including through parliamentary friendship groups, has further consolidated the ties between Armenia and Switzerland.

Today, relations between our two countries continue to develop dynamically. We see great potential to further expand our cooperation in areas such as innovation, high technology, education, sustainable development, and trade. Switzerland’s excellence in science, engineering, and finance, combined with Armenia’s rapidly growing technology sector and dynamic human capital, creates promising opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Armenia is committed to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting economic development, and contributing to peace and stability in our region. I believe that this is also a shared vision for our two countries, anchored in historical developments, on our shared values and maybe most importantly in the approach focused on the prosperous future for our citizens. Needless to say, in a world facing many complex challenges, stronger engagement with like-minded partners has become more important than ever.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

And let me conclude by my more personal and very simple note: I was here around two weeks ago, and every time I come back to Switzerland it feels like home much more than any other place we travel throughout the year, and the reason is obvious, it is not the factors that I mentioned, but the astonishing mountainous landscape and the nature, so similar to Armenia, and the traditions in believe in [one we just saw of the bread and salt. 

Emphasizing human capital, we may also wish to pay special tribute to Charles Aznavour who by representing our country here, in a nation that was also familiar and dear to him, he embodied with dignity and humanity the living bond between Armenia and Switzerland.  

Once again expressing my sincere gratitude to our Swiss partners for their friendship and cooperation. I also thank everyone who contributed to making this day possible.

Thank you.”

Ignazio Cassis: “Minister, dear colleague, dear friend,

Excellencies, 

Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Today marks an important moment as we celebrate the opening of the Embassy of Armenia here in Bern.

For more than three decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Switzerland and Armenia have enjoyed strong and friendly ties, built on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. 

The opening of this embassy, after many years of diplomatic presence in Geneva, represents a meaningful step forward, much like the opening of the Embassy of Switzerland in Yerevan 15 years ago. Being present in the federal capital will allow even closer exchanges with our institutions, and will further strengthen the links between our two countries. 

Our cooperation continues to grow in many fields, from political dialogue to economic exchange and people-to-people contacts. The Armenian community in Switzerland also plays an important role in strengthening the ties between our societies.

Another important dimension of the relationship between Armenia and Switzerland is our shared engagement within the Francophonie. In this regard, I would like to warmly greet Ambassador Tolmajian, whose perfect command of French reflects Armenia’s long-standing connection with the French-speaking world. 

Charles Aznavour, who served Armenia as Ambassador in Switzerland, said once:  «Mon pays, c’est la langue française». Through his music, texts and songs, he built bridges between cultures. He carried both Armenia and the French language to audiences around the world, including here in Switzerland. 

Switzerland and Armenia have a remarkable historical heritage. Armenia’s history stretches back millennia, and its ancient shrines stand as powerful symbols of resilience and continuity. Switzerland, too, preserves early аlpine monasteries that have shaped our own cultural landscape. These places remind us that both countries draw strength from an extraordinary continuity while looking towards the future.

Dear colleague, 

Speaking of the future, we commend the concrete steps taken by Armenia and Azerbaijan towards peace. While the wider regional stage is currently marked by concerns and uncertainty, the prospect of open borders and increased connectivity in your neighborhoods is encouraging and is needed. 

As chairman-in-office of the OSCE, I attach special significance to the ongoing efforts for peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus and beyond.

Dear friends, 

The opening of an embassy is, in many ways, similar to moving into a new home. It creates a place where dialogue can flourish and where partnerships can grow. 

In many traditions, a new home is welcomed with bread and salt. Bread represents stability and continuity, while salt brings flavor and, traditionally, protection.

In this spirit, I warmly invite you all to share bread and salt with us. 

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a telephone conversation with Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji, during which the parties discussed the situation in the Middle East, Armenia’s foreign ministry said in a readout.

Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressed the need to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure.

The ministers also discussed the humanitarian situation and possible steps to address it.

Mirzoyan expressed gratitude to the Lebanese side for its assistance in organizing the flight that transported Armenian citizens from Lebanon.

Armenia is becoming an increasingly important partner for the European Union in the South Caucasus, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, told Armenpress in an exclusive interview during his visit to Armenia.

Commissioner Brunner emphasized that the Armenia-EU partnership is based on shared values, such as democracy, the rule of law, and the goal of building a free and prosperous future.

“Armenia is a very important partner for the European Union, and it is fair to say that our relations have never been closer. In recent years, we have seen strong momentum in political dialogue and reforms. The adoption of the new Strategic Agenda for the EU–Armenia Partnership reflects this progress and sets ambitious priorities to deepen cooperation in many areas. This is also reflected in the fact that the EU has visa-free travel agreements with more than 60 countries, and Armenia is currently the only country with which the EU has an active visa-liberalisation dialogue. This shows the EU’s strong commitment to strengthening our partnership with Armenia,” he said.

The EU Commissioner visited Armenia on March 12 and held talks with PM Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan.

Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, has reaffirmed that the EU is determined to strengthen its cooperation with Armenia and its commitment to peace and stability in the region.

“My first visit to Armenia, and certainly not the last, came ahead of the first EU – Armenia Summit in May 2026,” he told Armenpress in an exclusive interview in Yerevan on March 12.

“It shows that the European Union is determined to strengthen its cooperation with Armenia and its commitment to peace, stability and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus. An important part of this is the progress made in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. The EU stands ready to continue supporting these efforts, including through investments in regional connectivity in line with Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. Our cooperation is also growing in practical economic areas. The EU and Armenia are implementing the €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, which supports reforms and strengthens Armenia’s economy and resilience. Through initiatives such as Global Gateway, we are also exploring further investments in regional connectivity, economic diversification, digital and green transitions, energy security and climate cooperation,” the Commissioner added.

At the same time, the Commissioner said that the EU is working to expand Armenia’s trade opportunities and help Armenian businesses benefit more from access to the EU market of around 450 million consumers. “This can open new possibilities for Armenian exports, investment and economic growth,” Brunner said.

The EU Commissioner visited Armenia on March 12 and held talks with PM Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan amid the ongoing EU-Armenia visa liberalization dialogue.

The European Union recognises the solid progress Armenia has made in recent years to improve migration governance and strengthen its institutions, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, told Armenpress in an exclusive interview during his visit to Armenia.

He said that important reforms are underway to modernize migration services and improve migration management, and the EU strongly supports these efforts.

“Since 2020, the EU has provided close to €30 million in technical assistance to support reforms in migration and home affairs, including equipment and support through regional Eastern Partnership programmes. In addition, around €40 million has been provided to support justice and anti-corruption reforms. Through initiatives such as the €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, we are also helping to strengthen Armenia’s institutions and resilience. At the same time, the EU stands ready to provide further support if needed. The crisis in the Middle East can create humanitarian and migration pressures. In such situations, we will continue to work closely with Armenia to respond to humanitarian needs,” Brunner said.

The EU Commissioner visited Armenia on March 12 and held talks with PM Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan amid the ongoing EU-Armenia visa liberalization dialogue.

Visa liberalization is an important part of the EU-Armenia partnership, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, told Armenpress in an exclusive interview during his visit to Armenia.

The EU Commissioner visited Armenia on March 12 and held talks with PM Nikol Pashinyan and Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan amid the ongoing EU-Armenia visa liberalization dialogue.

The Commissioner emphasized that if the reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect.

“Visa liberalisation is an important part of the EU-Armenia partnership because it brings our people closer together. It will make travel easier for work, study, and tourism. This, in turn, deepens cooperation and people-to-people contacts. Last November, we handed over the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, and progress has been steady, especially on document security and migration management. The introduction of biometric identity documents is an important step, and I understand this will come into effect soon. Reforms are also continuing in areas such as asylum, and the fight against organised crime and corruption, with support from EU partners and agencies like Europol and Frontex. Visa liberalisation is a benchmark-based process, so all requirements in the Action Plan must be met before a final decision can be taken – not only in the interest of the EU, but most importantly for the Armenian people. The first progress report will be presented at the EU -Armenia Summit in May 2026. If this reform momentum continues, visa-free travel in the coming years is a realistic prospect. It would create new opportunities for Armenian citizens in education, business, tourism, and cultural exchange, and further strengthen ties between Armenia and the European Union,” Brunner told Armenpress.

YEREVAN, 13 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 13 March, USD exchange rate up by 0.1 drams to 377.54 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 3.55 drams to 432.7 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0786 drams to 4.6847 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 4.89 drams to 500.62 drams.

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

Gold price down by 618 drams to 62270 drams. Silver price up by 10 drams to 1056.4 drams.

Armenian Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Arayik Harutyunyan met with members of the European side’s preparatory team for the 8th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), the Armenian government said in a press release.

The participants included Helene Holm-Pedersen, Head of the Directorate-General for External Relations of the President of the Council of Europe, and Marilyn Josefson, Adviser to the Office of the President of the European Council on Foreign Policy.

 EU Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos also attended the meeting.

According to a readout issued by the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office, the sides discussed issues related to the organizational preparations for the 8th EPC Summit, which will be held in Yerevan in May.

Harutyunyan emphasized the importance of holding the summit at a high level and said preparatory work is being carried out within the planned timeframe.

He expressed gratitude for continued partnership and the sharing of experience, noting that Armenia remains in active contact with EU partners as well as with representatives of countries that hosted previous EPC summits.

The participants also discussed further steps and events related to the organization of the summit.