17:03,

YEREVAN, 22 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 22 January, USD exchange rate down by 0.27 drams to 405.15 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.05 drams to 441.05 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 4.62 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.75 drams to 514.82 drams.

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

Gold price up by 182.48 drams to 26423.64 drams. Silver price up by 2.34 drams to 296.99 drams.

 19:14,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 22, ARMENPRESS.  Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin met with Turkish Ambassador to Moscow Tanju Bilgic on Monday to discuss the current situation in the South Caucasus, Central Asia and Ukraine, Tass reports, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"We exchanged views on the current situation in Transcaucasia, Central Asia and Ukraine. We have confirmed the mutual willingness to further coordinate efforts for ensuring peace and stability, especially in the South Caucasus," the ministry reported.

Both parties recognized the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation on regional and international issues, the ministry added.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko met with the Turkish ambassador on the same day. The diplomats exchanged views regarding the bilateral and regional agenda of shared interest. "We have confirmed the mutual commitment to further coordinating our efforts in the interests of promoting global security and stability," the ministry said.

 21:08,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government plans to allocate around 557 billion drams to the defense sector in 2024, which is 6% more than the amount envisioned by the revised 2023 budget, the Ministry of Finance reported.

Defense spending in 2024 is to increase by 81% as compared to 2020.

In 2024, more than 17% of the budget expenditures will be allocated to the defense sector.

 21:49,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 22, ARMENPRESS.  The meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) has concluded in Brussels.

Among various topics, the meeting also addressed issues related to Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.

According to the Armenpress Brussels correspondent, at the end of the session, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated at the press conference that EU member states agree with the idea that Azerbaijan should engage in substantive peace and relationship settlement negotiations with Armenia.

“President Aliyev's recent territorial demands are very concerning. Any violation of Armenia's territorial integrity will be unacceptable and will have serious consequences for our relations with Azerbaijan," Josep Borrell said.

Lilit Gasparyan

 10:09,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Armenian tourism experts have been enabled to participate in special training courses at the renowned Les Roches Global Hospitality educational institution in Switzerland. 

First Vice President of the Tourism Committee Susanna Hakobyan told Armenpress that the trainings are part of an MoU signed with Les Roches Global Hospitality.

Similar other programs will be launched in the future.

Hakobyan described Les Roches Global Hospitality as "one of the top 5 tourism and hospitality schools" in the world. She said that the committee will cover all expenses of the training for the selected applicants.

Two candidates have already been chosen after passing several selection procedures and the trainings will start in March 2024.

The committee had been looking for candidates who are 23-37 years old, have at least a BA in tourism or a related field, and at least 2 years of working experience.

“We want to further elevate experienced specialists,” Hakobyan said, adding that the program is not for beginners.

She attached importance to education and training programs.