14:29,
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will participate in the 4th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.
Pashinyan is scheduled to deliver a speech during the opening ceremony on October 26, organizers .
https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1122576.html?fbclid=IwAR3Yl5qRKbWZEdeceWp8Twj8LHLJ8lhOFW3tkut87O8WUBly5cF6dB2hlkk
15:27,
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The results of the 18th annual International Olympiad of Microelectronics, with Ucom as the main supporter, were announced during a solemn ceremony held at Synopsys Armenia. This Olympiad featured 270 participants from 14 countries and followed its traditional format of two stages. The first round, serving as a preliminary test, took place simultaneously in 14 participating countries. The second and final round, which involved complex engineering challenges requiring comprehensive solutions, occurred on October 19 in Armenia at the Synopsys Armenia Education Department.
Out of the 270 participants who took part in the first round, 28 advanced to the final round. Among them, 12 were from Yerevan, while the rest came to Armenia from countries such as the UAE, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Iran, Jordan, Chile, Peru, Russia, Serbia, and Vietnam.
"One of the primary objectives of the Olympiad is to establish an international community of young specialists in the field of microelectronics. Over the years, hundreds of exceptional young individuals from more than 25 countries worldwide, who represent the future creators of leading technologies, have participated in the Olympiad," said Hovik Musayelyan, Vice President of the Olympiad's Organizing Committee and Director of Synopsis Armenia.
"Technologies have evolved to a point where microelectronics is indispensable. I have been the main supporter of this event for 18 years, and I will continue to be because I firmly believe that the future is intricately linked with microelectronics. We must make every effort to promote this field, especially among Armenian youth and students. I have even encouraged my son to pursue a study of microelectronics because it represents the future, the foundational technology when we discuss artificial intelligence and intelligent solutions," stated Ralph Yirikian, Director General of Ucom, the key supporter of the Microelectronics Olympiad.
Let us note that Nikola Babic from Bosnia and Herzegovina secured the first prize in the Olympiad, followed by Filip Stefanovic from Serbia in second place, while the third prize was jointly claimed by Azra Jelezovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Edgar Papyan from Armenia.
The Olympiad covered the following topics:
“History has taught us that when terrorists and dictators don’t pay a price, they cause more death and destruction,” President Joe Biden said on Oct. 20, explaining Washington’s backing of Israel and Ukraine.
Exactly a month before those remarks, an oil-rich dictatorship conducted a foreseeable and preventable operation against a disputed democratic region, committing atrocities—including against women and children—and prompting the entire population’s exodus. But the Biden administration is yet to hold last month’s aggressor, Azerbaijan, accountable for the onslaught and ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh.
More than 100,000 indigenous Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh endured Azerbaijan’s medieval starvation siege for over nine months. On Sep. 19, as they waited in long bread lines, starving Armenians heard the sound of bombs. For 24 hours straight, Azerbaijan shelled Nagorno-Karabakh with Israeli- and Turkish-made weaponry until the Armenian population capitulated to stop the slaughter. Within days, every surviving family left behind their homes and lives—and an ancestral culture of two and a half millennia—fleeing through the very corridor that Azerbaijan had sealed for a final, one-way exit.
Now, with the world’s eyes on Gaza, experts believe that sovereign Armenia is the next Turkish-Azerbaijani target—and the U.S. is aware of these developments.
The most evident signs of an impending invasion are the joint Turkish-Azerbaijani military exercises taking place on October 23-25 in Nagorno-Karabakh, to Armenia’s east, and Nakhichevan, another formerly Armenian-populated region to Armenia’s west, with the conspicuous arrival of Turkish F-16 fighter jets in Azerbaijan. Last time such a massive exercise took place, in 2020, it preceded the 44-day war against Armenia-backed Nagorno-Karabakh, preparing ground for last month’s “final solution.”
Another sign of an impending invasion is the reported appearance of “!” on Azerbaijan’s military trucks headed toward Armenia. The symbol roughly resembles a severed Armenia and ostensibly serves as the conclusion of the 2020-2023 “Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” war slogan.
Despite celebrating Armenia as a democracy, the U.S. has been cautious to reprimand its petro-aggressor. Even after last month’s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Biden administration has merely extended the non-renewal of a statutory sanction on Azerbaijan, rather than imposing targeted financial sanctions. The coming weeks may prove to be the next test.
An elderly woman waits among fellow Armenian refugees in Goris on September 29, 2023.Alain Jocard—AFP/Getty Images
Armenia is the lowest hanging fruit for Turkey's leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is desperate for a show of power. Oct. 29 marks an important milestone for the country—the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Republic—with no significant planned celebrations. Erdoğan, who recently extended his two-decade rule, is desperate to make the jubilee all about himself: out of nine official posters celebrating the centennial, the Republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is only depicted once. It’s of no surprise—Erdoğan has been determined to go down in history as a bigger figure than the revered Atatürk, but he has not delivered on such grandiose promises. A successful invasion of Armenia would realize the Armenian Genocide-era goal of connecting Azerbaijan and Turkey continuously—something that even Atatürk couldn’t accomplish.
Read More: What Erdoğan’s Victory Means for Turkey—and the World
Despite Russia being Armenia’s ally on paper, President Vladimir Putin stands to gain from an invasion as well. Putin has made it clear that the democratically-elected Armenian government must be punished for its pro-Western flings, including the recent move to finalize its International Criminal Court membership; just last week, a top Russian official referred to Armenia as the next Ukraine. But it’s more business than personal: the envisioned Turkish-Azerbaijan land-link at the expense of a splintered Armenia would be patrolled by Russia, thereby offering the latter enormous economic and geopolitical leverage. And finally, teaching Armenia a lesson in loyalty can give Putin instant gratification amid his failing operation in Ukraine.
As the Nagorno-Karabakh refugees fled last month, foreign media and Western delegations came to southern Armenia. Among them was Yuri Kim, a top U.S. official who five days prior to Azerbaijan’s attack warned that the U.S. would not tolerate it. When confronted with the empty threat, the official dodged the question.
The U.S. had the tools to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh. It has even more tools to prevent an invasion of democratic and sovereign Armenia. Just ask Joe Biden.
“While he brags about his deal-making skills at campaign rallies,” candidate Joe Biden chided his opponent in 2020, “Trump has yet to get involved personally to stop this war.” The reference was in regards to Azerbaijan’s 2020 war against Armenia-backed Nagorno-Karabakh which saw the former register partial victory, building the ground for what’s happening today.
Read More: The U.S. Keeps Failing Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh
Tellingly, Azerbaijan’s 2020 attack was not only opportune—happening at the time of the U.S. election, let alone a global pandemic—but also coincided on the 100th anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of Armenia. Which is why the upcoming centennial of Turkish independence should not be discounted. Turkey is not subtle with its intention to mark the anniversary with violence. This week’s military exercises on both sides of Armenia have been named Mustafa Kemal Atatürk 2023, making it clear that the intended impact, at the bare minimum, is connecting history to last month’s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh in name.
That the U.S. is privately aware of but publicly downplaying the even gutsier scenario of an invasion of sovereign Armenia, not least because of a focus on support for Ukraine and Israel, points to one conclusion: history is teaching us that some democracies—like some lives—are worth more than others.
Armenia has made travel more accessible for tourists from the UAE with streamlined visa regulations. The mountainous country has simplified visa requirements for Emiratis, with UAE passport holders now enjoying visa-free travel for up to 180 days within a year.
Visa regulations are also simplified for those with UAE residency visas.
Sisian Boghossian MBA, head of Tourism Committee of Armenia, Ministry of Economy, told Khaleej Times: “Citizens from more than 50 countries, including Egypt, India, Iraq, Morocco, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia, may obtain a visa at the Armenian border (on-arrival or by e-visa) if they hold a valid resident card issued by GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) member states, which includes the UAE.”
The new visa rules aim to encourage cultural exchange, tourism, and deeper connections between the two nations, Armenia’s tourism body said. “As Armenia opens its doors to UAE tourists, there has never been a better time to explore this gem of the Caucasus.”
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the country has seen a “significant upswing” of travellers from the UAE. “The short direct flight (three hours) and affordability make it an attractive choice for those looking for a memorable but convenient getaway. The variety of activities, from ziplining and water rafting to paragliding and winter sports, provides a well-rounded experience for visitors,” said Boghossian.
“Overall, Armenia's visa facilitation, proximity, affordability, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes make it a popular choice among UAE travellers seeking a unique and unexplored destination.”
Many travellers from the UAE explore regions beyond capital Armenia, she added. “Armenia's appeal to UAE tourists is further enhanced by its picturesque winter landscapes and a range of snow-related activities, ensuring year-round tourism. Moreover, the affordability and variety of Armenia's tourism offerings align well with the desire of UAE visitors to experience new and exciting activities.”
The country is home to hidden gems like a grape spa in Ararat Valley that offers grape-based treatments. Scenic getaways include Lake Sevan and the stunning peaks of the Armenian highlands. Armenia also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with ancient monasteries, churches, and historical sites.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/travel/visa-rules-eased-for-uae-tourists-to-travel-to-armenia?_refresh=true
GENEVA/YEREVAN, Armenia, – Two-thirds of refugee children in Armenia are enrolled in national school systems, one month after more than 21,000 school-age children fled their homes. Efforts must now focus on increasing access for the remaining 1 in 3 children currently not attending school, UNICEF said today.
Children who arrived in Armenia have not had continuous access to quality education in recent years, making an inclusive school system that provides catch-up classes and tailored support critical.
“Schools are more than places of learning. This is especially true in times of displacement and uncertainty. Access to education provides refugee children with the structure and support needed to help them overcome their experiences. Schools also provide children with nutrition and mental health services, socialisation and much more to support their health and well-being,” said Christine Weigand, UNICEF Armenia Representative.
“Investment must be made in increasing access to schooling for the 1 in 3 refugee children not enrolled in education and ensuring schools are inclusive for all children.”
UNICEF is on the ground working with the Government of Armenia and other partners to help refugee children access the care and support they need. Together with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, UNICEF is identifying needs and gaps in the current education system. This includes identifying areas that need bolstering and expansion to support effective inclusion of all refugee children.
UNICEF is providing educational kits including schools-in-a-box and early childhood development kits. In addition, UNICEF and its partners are distributing a first batch of schoolbags with stationary for 1,000 children. Procurement of an additional schoolbags to address the additional emerging needs of a further 2,000 children is ongoing. UNICEF is also gearing up to expand learning spaces in host schools and preschools across the country.
So far UNICEF has provided mental health and psychosocial support, and health and nutrition support for up to 10,000 refugee children and their caregivers. UNICEF and partners have also provided more than 1,000 children and caregivers with child protection case management support, and over 3,000 with psychological first aid.
UNICEF is appealing for US$ 12.6 million to provide critical services including education, health, child protection, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene in the first six months.
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https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/two-thirds-refugee-children-armenia-enrolled-school-efforts-must-now-focus-expanding
The meeting was also attended by the ministers and a joint statement was issued stating that the participants decided to respect the countries' territorial integrity
Before the meeting, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that the talks represented a "historic opportunity…. The war in South Caucasus has ended, and it is time for peace and cooperation."
"The presence of outsiders in the region will not only not solve any problems but will also complicate the situation further," he stated, without elaborating.
Meanwhile, the state media quoted Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi saying Tehran "was ready to assist in resolving the existing disputes between Azerbaijan and Armenia".
Russia sees itself as the security guarantor between Armenia and Azerbaijan, both being former Soviet republics, however, the distractions and demands of its war in Ukraine have weakened its influence in the South Caucasus.
In a statement posted on the X social media platform, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Ankara wished the talks would "give impetus to normalisation and peace processes".
French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu in Paris stated that France has been helping in improving the air defence capacity of Armenia with the sale of three radars and an agreement on the Mistral anti-air missiles' future delivery.
TEHRAN – Iran and Armenia have signed a contract for the construction of the Agarak-Kajaran route as part of Tranche 4 of the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC) in the Armenian territory, IRNA reported.
As reported, based on the deal, which was signed in the presence of Iranian Transport and Urban Development Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash and Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan, Iranian companies are to construct the mentioned road.
According to Bazrpash, the Armenian side is going to fund the project which is worth $210 million.
The contract was signed during a visit of an Iranian delegation headed by the country’s transport minister to Armenia.
During this visit, Bazrpash met and held talks with several high-ranking Armenian officials including the country’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
In this meeting, the two sides announced a decision to increase the value of annual trade between the two countries to $3.0 billion.
Referring to the bilateral relations between Tehran and Yerevan, Bazrpash said that economic exchanges between the two countries can be increased to three times the current level which is about $1.0 billion.
He announced Iran's readiness to build a second border bridge in the Nordouz region and welcomed the presence of Armenian investment companies in Iran.
The official also expressed the country’s readiness for the export of technical and engineering services to Armenia.
In early September, ARMENPRESS reported that Armenia is seeking to export its goods through Iran to the Arab countries of the region and India, as the country is trying to also increase trade with the Islamic Republic.
“Armenia and Iran attach great importance to the prospect of carrying out shipments through the Persian Gulf-Black Sea logistic route, and the Armenian side is maximally seeking to support the implementation of this megaproject, attaching great importance to the use of its own territory. The option of exporting Armenian goods through Iranian territory to Arab countries and India is also under discussion, and in this context, the parties have decided to find solutions through joint efforts and simplify the procedures applied from both sides on that road,” Armenia’s commercial attaché to Iran Vardan Kostanyan told ARMENPRESS.
“We are now looking into the untapped potential and opportunities to utilize them in bilateral cooperation. On the other hand, our neighbor is still under sanctions, therefore while carrying out economic policy we are unconditionally taking into consideration this fact. Iran provides state support and protection to companies investing in its economy,” Kostanyan said, highlighting direct meetings between business representatives.
According to Kostanyan, both sides are seeking new opportunities to further develop trade. The two countries plan to increase bilateral trade to one billion dollars, and then to three billion dollars.
He further noted that Iran plans to open eight new free economic zones, bringing the number of its free zones to 15.
Armenia’s membership to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and its land border with Iran gives opportunities for establishing enterprises and carrying out broad joint projects, he said.
Iran and Armenia are working to significantly increase trade turnover. Last year bilateral trade stood at $714 million, while the data of this year’s first half shows a 13 percent increase, which in turn shows that the positive pace of dynamics is maintained.
On August 25, an exhibition showcasing the products offered by Iranian and Armenian companies in the fields of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism opened in Yerevan with the purpose of boosting bilateral trade between the two countries.
Hojatollah Abdolmaleki, the secretary of Iran's Free Zones High Council and presidential advisor was personally leading a delegation to Armenia and attended the event.
EF/MA
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/490509/Iran-inks-deal-to-construct-part-of-INSTC-in-Armenia
TEHRAN – Some 15 Iranian knowledge-based companies are expanding their sales markets in Armenia.
The Iranian trade and technology delegation participated in the Business to Business (B2B) meetings in Armenia from October 19 to 21, IRNA reported.
The delegation was supported by the Center of International Science and Technology Cooperation (CISTC).
The B2B meetings were held with the member companies of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce.
In this regard, Andranik Aleksanyan, the head of the Armenian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that Iranian companies should not consider the Armenian market as a small market, but rather the gateway to Eurasia.
They also visited the Armenian organization for supporting foreign investment (Enterprise Armenia) and industrial areas to identify new markets and examine markets’ needs by companies.
The Iranian delegation discussed the opportunities to expand the markets of their products in the international arena.
Meeting Armenian officials, Razieh Kohansal, an official with the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, elaborated on Iran's capacities in the knowledge-based field and the possibility of meeting the technological needs of Armenian companies.
She said, "One of our goals is to develop cooperation between Iranian and Armenian companies to increase the share of our exports to this country,” IRNA reported.
Iran exports a variety of different goods to Armenia every year. Sharing borders with this country, and fast and cheap transportation makes Armenia a good export destination.
Armenia imports various goods from other countries, particularly neighboring countries.
Being one of Armenia's major trading partners, Iran is trying to improve its position in the market of this country.
Iran-Armenia sci-tech co-op
In June 2022, Armenian Ambassador to Iran Arsen Avagyan met with Iranian deputy science minister Vahid Haddadi-Asl, discussing ways to broaden ties in the fields of science and technology.
The two sides expressed readiness to exchange university students, transfer technology, and create research centers, IRNA reported.
Houses of innovation
Last year, it was announced that an Iranian House of Innovation and Technology (IHIT) was to be established in Armenia with the aim of developing the export of Iranian knowledge-based products.
Over the few past years, with the support of the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, the Iranian house of innovation has been set up in several countries to develop the global market for knowledge-based products.
These centers have already been set up in countries such as Russia, Turkey, China, Syria, and Kenya, and Iraq will soon join them.
By supporting innovative ideas, and holding technological and innovative events, the centers will be a platform for the development and promotion of Iranian knowledge-based companies, startups, and creative industries.