Press release by Ministry of High-Tech Industry

YouTube today launched its Partner Program (YPP), enabling Armenian creators to earn money on the platform, build their own businesses, and reach new audiences.

The YouTube Partner Program is how creators, artists, and media companies earn money on the platform. Globally, more than 3 million creators are part of YPP, and over the past four years, YouTube has paid out over $100 billion to creators, artists, news outlets, and media companies. The company’s revenue-sharing model is built on a simple idea: YouTube only succeeds when its creators do.

From May 11th, Creators in Armenia who meet the eligibility criteria of 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos within the last 365 days or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days may apply to the YPP and begin monetizing their channels through ad revenue sharing.

Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry, Republic of Armenia, said “Today marks an important step forward for Armenia’s creative and digital economy. We welcome YouTube’s decision to introduce the YouTube Partner Program for Armenian content creators – a long-awaited change that unlocks opportunities for monetization, empowers local voices, and supports a new generation of digital entrepreneurs.

This development will help Armenian creators turn their passion into sustainable work, showcase Armenia’s creativity globally, and strengthen our position in the international digital landscape. We look forward to continued cooperation with YouTube and other platforms to ensure that Armenia’s talent is fully recognized, rewarded, and connected to the world.”

“YouTube provides a platform for a wide range of voices, from independent news organizations to artists and entrepreneurs. We are committed to supporting free _expression_ and creating new economic opportunities for this growing community of creators in Armenia,” said Leslie Miller, VP of Government Affairs & Public Policy, YouTube. “By launching the Partner Program, we hope to further empower these voices and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

David Allen, Charge d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, said, “The expansion of the YouTube Partner Program to Armenia builds on the broader U.S.-Armenia technology partnership, including our recent memorandum of understanding on AI and Semiconductor Innovation.  It will empower individual creators and entrepreneurs, amplify creative voices, unlocking new economic opportunities and job creation for both of our countries.”

Russia has proposed to Armenia a high-capacity nuclear power plant project that could meet the country’s energy needs for decades, according to a Russian Foreign Ministry official.

The proposal, put forward by Rosatom, also claims to ensure lower electricity tariffs and support industrial growth.

Mikhail Kalugin, director of the 4th CIS Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said that the new nuclear power plant could supply Armenia’s energy for up to a century.

“State corporation Rosatom has proposed to Armenia a high-capacity nuclear power plant project which, if the Armenian leadership wishes, will be able to meet the country’s energy needs for decades, if not a century. At the same time, it will ensure low electricity tariffs for end consumers, which, among other things, will significantly boost the country’s industrial growth,” the Foreign Ministry official was quoted as saying by the Russian state-run TASS news agency.

Armenia is currently extending the operational lifespan of its Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant by 10 years, until 2036. The Armenian authorities have announced plans to build a new modular nuclear power plant to replace Metsamor.

Armenia is negotiating its construction with five countries: the United States, China, Russia, France, and South Korea.

Kalugin said that Russia is a “global leader” in nuclear technology and is always ready to share its developments and experience with Armenia in such a vital sector as energy. According to him, Russia is also ready to share digitalization technologies with Armenia.

“Today our country is one of three countries in the world that has the most advanced solutions. Foreigners note Russia’s advanced online banking services, as well as achievements in the digitalization of public services and healthcare. And these are just a few examples of what the ‘Russian offer’ entails,” he said.

He also spoke about the future of Armenia–Russia bilateral relations, stressing that Moscow is committed to the reciprocal development of cooperation with Yerevan.

Mikhail Kalugin also stated that the South Caucasus is of vital importance to Russia.

“Our interests stem from the fact that Russia is not only a neighbor, but also a Caucasian power itself. We have the closest historical and cultural ties with all countries of the region. For each country of the South Caucasus, Russia is the main trading partner or one of them. Important transport routes pass through the region. The situation in the North Caucasus largely depends on how processes develop on the other side of the mountain range. The South Caucasus is of vital importance to us,” he said.

According to him, Russia’s fundamental interest lies in the development of the South Caucasus region, the realization of its economic potential, and the creation of a zone of stability and peace.

“Whatever contributes to the prosperity of the region also contributes to Russia’s well-being. This is the simple logic of our actions,” Kalugin said, stressing that Moscow consistently opposes armed conflicts in the region, supports the lifting of blockades, and is actively working to build a common architecture of regional connectivity so that each country can benefit from its geographical position.

The Russian Foreign Ministry official also discussed Armenia’s railway network, which is managed by a Russian state corporation under a concession agreement.

He noted that Russia does not agree with the Armenian side’s claim that Russian management of Armenia’s railway network in any way limits the country’s competitive advantages.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously called for an end to Russian management of Armenia’s railway network. He specifically stated that, in the context of current regional connectivity development projects, it would be preferable for another country—particularly one with friendly ties to both Armenia and Russia—to take over management. He argued that some countries might choose not to make shipments through Armenia due to Russian management of the railway system, thereby reducing Armenia’s competitiveness. Russia has so far rejected the offer, claiming to have made major investments over the years and rejecting claims that the country is losing competitive advantages due to Russian management.

“This issue [railway management] was discussed in detail during the talks held on April 1 between the leaders of Russia and Armenia. All concerns of the Armenian side were clarified, and an agreement was reached on the format of further work, including in the context of Russia’s participation in unblocking regional communications. We cannot agree with the claim that the management of Armenian railways by a Russian company in any way limits Armenia’s competitive advantages. On the contrary, we are convinced that it is precisely Russian management that creates those advantages,” Kalugin said.

The newly appointed Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Republic of Armenia, Marco Romoli, presented a copy of his credentials to Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan.

According to the Foreign Ministry’s readout, the Deputy FM congratulated the ambassador on assuming office and expressed gratitude to the Sovereign Order of Malta for its long-standing assistance to Armenia.

He also expressed confidence that Ambassador Romoli will make every effort to strengthen friendly bilateral ties and enrich the bilateral agenda.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current agenda of bilateral relations, particularly the deepening of cooperation in the fields of healthcare and education. They also exchanged views on the Sovereign Order of Malta’s future programs in Armenia, as well as possible ways to address humanitarian challenges.

The meeting also addressed regional developments and the international agenda.

The city of Yerevan has announced a tender for the purchase of 170 new buses to upgrade the Armenian capital’s public transport fleet, Mayor Tigran Avinyan said on Tuesday.

“We have announced a new tender and plan to replace the old Higer buses. After this, there will be no outdated vehicles left in Yerevan’s public transport fleet. We will acquire 170 new buses,” Avinyan said.

Yerevan also plans to purchase 250 18-meter electric buses.

Algeria’s newly appointed ambassador to Armenia, Toufik Djouama, has presented his credentials to President Vahagn Khachaturyan.

The President congratulated the ambassador on assuming office and wished him success in carrying out his mission, according to a readout from the President’s Office.

“Your appointment is very important to us. In general, the presence of non-resident ambassadors is, of course, important in relations between any two countries. I am confident that your appointment, as well as the appointment of our ambassador to your country, will further invigorate relations between Armenia and Algeria. Armenia has special relations with Algeria and the Arabic-speaking countries. Our economic and political potential for cooperation and the implementation of joint programs is significant,” President Khachaturyan said during the meeting.

Ambassador Djouama expressed gratitude for the reception and the good wishes, noting that he would devote his efforts to further strengthening friendship between the peoples of Armenia and Algeria, deepening mutual trust, and expanding the bilateral cooperation agenda.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for the development of bilateral relations and opportunities to enhance cooperation.

They addressed issues related to effectively realizing the existing potential for cooperation in the fields of high technology, artificial intelligence, education, tourism, and healthcare. In this context, they emphasized the importance of developing a knowledge-based economy, promoting innovative solutions, exchanging expertise, and expanding professional ties.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation between educational and scientific institutions, implementing joint programs, and encouraging initiatives aimed at fostering growing mutual interest in the tourism sector. The sides also touched upon opportunities for exchanging expertise and expanding professional cooperation in healthcare.

The President and the Ambassador also highlighted the importance of developing effective cooperation within international organizations and multilateral platforms.

The parties further emphasized the importance of organizing high-level and other mutual visits as a key prerequisite for intensifying political dialogue and further deepening bilateral relations.

The newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ghana to Armenia, Lesley Akyaa Opoku Ware (residence: Moscow), presented his credentials to Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, the President’s Office said in a statement.

Welcoming the ambassador, President Khachaturyan congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in strengthening relations between the two countries.

“In recent years, we have also directed our foreign policy toward Sub-Saharan Africa. In this context, the role of Ghana is very important as a country that ensures stability on the continent and has significant influence within the African Union.

I believe we should first develop the institutional foundations of our relations, as well as bilateral ties, which require detailed discussion.

 I also congratulate you on your appointment, as we now have an ambassador who will work in this direction and advance our cooperation,” the president said.

President Khachaturyan emphasized the importance of intensifying bilateral political dialogue and organizing high-level reciprocal visits as key prerequisites for the development of cooperation.

During the meeting, the sides discussed opportunities for expanding cooperation in healthcare, education, tourism, the processing of precious metals and stones, as well as other areas. They also touched upon the prospects for developing student exchange programs and educational ties.

Ambassador Lesley Akyaa Opoku Ware thanked the president for the reception and conveyed the warm greetings of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity. We are always open to cooperation opportunities with countries like yours,” the ambassador said.

The sides also discussed the possibilities of deepening cooperation within international organizations and strengthening ties in other areas of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan met with a U.S. delegation that arrived in Armenia to discuss the ongoing process toward implementing the TRIPP project, the government said in a press release.

The U.S. delegation included representatives of the State Department and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

Welcoming the guests, the Armenian Deputy Prime Minister, on behalf of the government, thanked the U.S. authorities for organizing the Washington Peace Summit held on August 8, 2025, and emphasized the importance of the consistent implementation of one of the summit’s key achievements — the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project.

The sides discussed and agreed on a number of operational and legal issues related to the implementation of TRIPP.

Deputy Prime Minister Grigoryan also spoke about the Crossroads of Peace initiative, emphasizing the necessity, potential, and prospects of unblocking all regional communications.

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia, envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity. An Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.

Disinformation has once again been circulated online using the logo of the Armenpress news agency.

The fake news was posted by a user named Kevin Rose on X and was accompanied by a video which includes footage from the European Political Community summit held in Armenia, as well as from a press conference by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s spokesperson, Nazeli Baghdasaryan. The disinformation attributes false statements to her while also featuring the Armenpress logo on the video.

The post tagged Armenpress as well as other media outlets, including France24, AFP, NBC News, and USA Today.

A similar instance of fake news was posted on X earlier in May.

Authorities had earlier warned of intensified disinformation campaigns targeting Armenia.

Türkiye is preparing to change the procedure for export documentation for goods shipped to Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan was earlier heard in a hot-mic moment telling Pashinyan, who is currently campaigning with fellow Civil Contract party members across Yerevan ahead of the upcoming elections, that “the Turks are opening today, let’s prepare a welcoming text for the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.”

Reporters later asked Pashinyan to elaborate.

Pashinyan explained that the comment referred to changes in Türkiye’s export documentation procedures for shipments to Armenia.

He said that under previous Turkish regulations, Armenia was not included in the list of destination countries, which meant that goods were first registered as exports to a third country and only then re-exported to Armenia.

“There are many Turkish-made goods in Armenia, and this was an additional process — they were sent to another country, documented, and then brought here,” Pashinyan said.

Now, he said, the Turkish side is allowing Armenia to be directly listed as the country of destination in export documents.

“Now they are processing it in a way that Armenia is indicated as the country of destination. That is what he [Mirzoyan] meant,” the Prime Minister said.

The Armenia–Cyprus Business Forum held in Yerevan is opening new opportunities for deepening cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, expanding investment ties, and developing new export directions.

Participants of the forum emphasized the strengthening of Armenian–Cypriot economic relations, the process of integration with European markets, and the importance of establishing direct contacts between business representatives.

Mariam Manukyan, President of the Council of International Business Relations Support, an Armenian organization with the mission of fostering global business relations, presented the important initiative aimed at strengthening relations between Armenia and Cyprus.

Nine businesspeople from Cyprus have arrived in Armenia, representing companies operating in various sectors. The initiative provides an opportunity for Armenian businesses and entrepreneurs to establish contacts with representatives of the Cypriot business community.

Mariam Manukyan noted that Dr. Natalia Kardash, a Cyprus-based communications and business relations expert and founder of the Successful Business Leaders’ Club (SBL Club), is representing the Cypriot delegation. Her extensive connections and experience in cooperation with the Cypriot business community may help Armenian companies find new partners, as well as expand export and import opportunities.

According to her, the initiative also gives Armenian businesses the opportunity to register in the Cypriot market, which could contribute to export diversification and economic development.

“Cyprus has broad opportunities in the services sector, while Armenia can offer the Cypriot market its potential, particularly in the information technology sector,” Mariam Manukyan said.

During the event, Anahit Simonyan, a member of the Board of the Council for International Business Relations Support, also delivered remarks. She said that such meetings are particularly important in the context of recent major international developments in Armenia, including the first high-level Armenia–European Union Summit and the European Political Community Summit held in Yerevan. 

Speaking about past projects, Anahit Simonyan has reminded that initiatives under the “Bridge to Europe” program have already been implemented in the Armenia–Hungary, Vienna, and Prague directions, which were also aimed at expanding business ties.

She added that the initiative can be seen as a practical continuation of the framework of cooperation established between Armenia and the European Union, aimed at deepening economic relations and business ties.

Dr. Natalia Kardash highlighted the partnership with the Council of International Business Relations Support in organizing such an initiative.

“Within the framework of the forum, Armenian and Cypriot partners are given the opportunity to establish new business contacts, develop cooperation, and identify new sectors and investment directions,” Dr. Natalia Kardash said.