Armenpress celebrates 105th anniversary with exhibition and new departments presentation

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. For 105 years, Armenpress has been documenting and presenting to the public the most significant events and developments taking place both in Armenia and beyond its borders.  The photographers of Armenpress do not overlook any significant event or outstanding individual, contributing to the agency's rich archive.

On December 18, the day of the establishment of "Armenpress", the agency showcased the fascinating episodes of that archive at the "Documenting the Century" exhibition dedicated to the 105th anniversary of its establishment, which brought together officials, public figures, politicians, and representatives of the culture sector.

Armenpress Director Narine Nazaryan expressed gratitude to all the guests for joining the agency on that symbolic day.

"Armenpress'' News Agency is 105 years old. We are deeply aware of our responsibility to be bearers of the heritage created over a century. A century that is not just a chronology; it embodies history, established values, exceptional events, and the contributions of thousands of agency employees and dozens of directors. Each has left their own style, contributing to the creation of this beacon of journalistic excellence with boundless dedication,’’ she said.

According to Narine Nazaryan, the exhibition of archival photos entitled "Documenting the Century" is a unique visual journey, an opportunity to recreate decades of history in the consciousness through images.

"The organization of this exhibition was another opportunity to reevaluate what we have. The millions of tapes and digitized photos stored at Armenpress should become public property through various initiatives. We are planning to regularly present thematic exhibitions, providing everyone with the opportunity to learn about our history," assured Narine Nazaryan.

According to Nazaryan, they are creating a new century; they are trying to do it in accordance with the solutions dictated by the time- innovative and inclusive. Armenpress Director noted that they clearly realize that they  represent the voice of Armenia in the world. And they try to make that voice heard in as many languages as possible, because the language serves as the bridge that breaks all borders.

"Until now, the agency has translated Armenian news reports into six foreign languages: English, Russian, Arabic, French, Turkish and Spanish. Today, we are delighted to announce that, after months of work, the Georgian, Persian and Chinese department of the website have been created. We express our gratitude for the opportunity to implement this program with  the  state support."

We are unwavering in our mission to create the media of the future,” Nazaryan said and invited the guests to watch a short video about the creation of exclusive Armenpress documents stored in the National Archives.

Afterwards, those present had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new departments of Armenpress.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Armenia Giorgi Sharvashidze congratulated the news agency, which has been carrying out its mission for more than a century. According to him, today more than ever, there is a need for a reliable, impartial, and free press.

"As the ambassador of Georgia, I am grateful and happy that Armenpress has added the Georgian language to its news website. In the era of digitalization, language still plays a crucial role in reaching the target audience and communicating news,” he said.

 

According to the Ambassador, many cornerstones in Georgian-Armenian relations are increasing day by day. He proudly emphasized that the volume of cooperation between the two countries has reached its maximum in politics, economy, culture, energy, tourism, and other fields. The ambassador reminded that from July 1, 2023, citizens of Georgia and Armenia have the privilege to cross the border without a passport, only with biometric ID cards, which further strengthens and deepens the cooperation and friendship between Georgians and Armenians.

"As you know, on December 15 of the current year, Georgia received the status of a candidate for EU membership, which is a historic step for Georgia towards the European Union. We hope that Georgia will become a full member of the EU in the near future. It is definitely encouraging that we witnessed the unanimous decision of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers regarding the start of negotiations on the liberalization of the visa regime with Armenia.

This is a very positive development, the European Parliament welcomes the readiness of the Armenian government to get closer to the European Union," stressed  Giorgi Sharvashidze and added that he cornerstone of any democracy is an independent, professional, and responsible media, and Armenpress has been providing the Armenian society with news for 105 years.

 The newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia Mehdi Sobhani was pleased to participate in the event.

“On the launch of the Persian language department at the agency, I extend my congratulations to the "Armenpress" news agency, the Persian speakers and to those who are interested in the Persian language. This strategic step by Armenpress underscores the significance of the Iranian and Farsi-speaking audience for the agency.

This is a commendable step, as it plays a significant role in representing Armenia to Iranians and Persian-speaking people and in terms of mutual understanding and recognition between the two countries,'' the Ambassador said.

The Ambassador highly  appreciated the efforts of the honorable government of Armenia, aimed at studying the language of one of the neighboring countries.

 

“This initiative testifies to the government's prospective steps toward peaceful coexistence. We consider it a harbinger of peace, friendship, and enhanced human communication.

The spread of the Persian language in Armenia is considered a social capital for the peoples of both countries and a cultural element in the direction of deepening the friendship between the two peoples,” said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia.

"I wish happiness and well-being to the government and people of Armenia. In advance, I extend my warmest congratulations for the upcoming New Year. May the coming year bring abundance, peace, and prosperity to the people of Armenia. I also hope for the expansion of relations and friendship between our countries. Long live Armenia! Long live Iran!” concluded the Ambassador.

Congratulating "Armenpress" state news agency on the occasion of its 105th anniversary, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Armenia Fan Yong, welcomed the official launch of the agency's news releases in various languages, including Chinese.

"For over a century, Armenpress has served as a bridge, bringing  the voice of Armenia to the  world.  It has assumed the important role of being the bridge and window of Armenia. I am confident that with this new platform, the "Armenpress" news agency will make an even more significant contribution to the national development of Armenia,’’ the Ambassador noted.

According to him, China and Armenia are good partners and friends. "As the official Armenian media, Armenpress has established working relations with Chinese partners. I am confident that the launch of the Chinese department of the "Armenpress" news agency will greatly contribute to a better mutual understanding and exchange of cultural values between China and Armenia, as well as strengthen ties between the peoples of the two countries.

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Armenia is ready to provide active support to "Armenpress" and bring the Chinese-Armenian media cooperation to a new level," the Ambassador added.