Category: 2024

 14:51, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has arrived in Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos.

A number of meetings with other participating world leaders and other officials are scheduled to take place.

President Khachaturyan will be in Switzerland until January 18, his office said.

On Monday, the Armenian President met with representatives of the Armenian community in Zurich. President Khachaturyan presented Armenia’s main principles of domestic and foreign policy and its position on establishing lasting peace in the region.

The Armenian President also spoke about the government’s efforts to resolve the social and humanitarian issues facing the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh.

 15:02, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. President Vahagn Khachaturyan is promoting the Armenian government’s Crossroads of Peace project at the World Economic Forum.

The Armenian President arrived in Switzerland on Monday to participate in Davos 2024. Ahead of the meeting, the Armenian President’s article on Crossroads of Peace was published by the World Economic Forum.

Below is the full article as published by WEF.

“As President of Armenia, I am serving a nation that has weathered historical storms, emerged resilient: adapted to reality and learned to survive.

“In the context of today's complex geopolitical shifts and the globally fragmented policy landscape, Armenia envisions a world strengthened by global cooperation in the framework of renewed and effective multilateralism.

“Here I outline Armenia's strategic initiatives, including the Crossroads of Peace project, which addresses the importance of acknowledging the cost of crises, advocates for building peace through trust, and explores how genuine democracy and technological innovation can be transformative and how mutually they protect and embolden each other.

“Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of economic cooperation and shared values in the new world order. Drawing inspiration from the biblical tale of Noah's Ark, Armenia's metaphor serves as a reminder to humanity of the importance of peaceful coexistence, hope, and joint efforts to confront global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Economic cooperation in the evolving world order

“Economic cooperation stands as a linchpin for global stability, security and prosperity. Armenia, with its skilled workforce and commitment to sustainable development is well-positioned to play an instrumental role in the emerging economic landscape.

“Recognition of the importance of fostering economic ties that go beyond national borders – from regional to global, promoting responsible business practices, and contributing to worldwide economic growth is a key for global stability.

“In the spirit of cooperation, we actively seek opportunities for trade, investment and partnership with other nations worldwide. By aligning economic interests with shared values, we aim to contribute to a more interconnected and agile world by prioritizing sustainability, innovation and inclusivity, fostering economic relationships that benefit not only our nation but also the global community.

Democracy and technology as transformative forces

“In the evolving world order, liberty, democratic institutions and innovation emerge as powerful tools to address global challenges and navigate geopolitical shifts.

“Democracy, with its emphasis on inclusivity and consolidated decision-making, provides a framework for nations to come together. Technological innovation, when wielded responsibly, has the potential to empower individuals and nations to overcome challenges and foster positive change.

“Armenia is committed to upholding democratic values and leveraging innovation as tools for positive change. Recognizing the potential of "liberation technology", we aim to empower citizens, promote their social and economic rights, enhance good governance, transparency and promote accountability.

“By harnessing the power of digital innovation, Armenia seeks to create an environment where democracy flourishes, and technology becomes a force for good in addressing global challenges.

Armenia's commitment to building lasting peace

“The 21st century has seen the world grapple with crises, from pandemics to environmental challenges, and the recognition of the cost of crisis is not merely economic; it is also human and environmental.

“In the times of the current polycrisis and in light of unprecedented interdependence and evolving changes of the world order, one nation's crisis is a challenge for all. As we navigate these challenges, building peace through trust becomes paramount.

“Acknowledging the cost of crises and the importance of addressing them with resilience and determination must become an imperative. The recent conflict and forced displacement of persons in the South Caucasus serves as a stark reminder of the impact of geopolitical shifts on civilians.

“However, Armenia is committed to turning the aftermath of the crisis into an opportunity for building lasting peace and promoting regional cooperation.

“The Crossroads of Peace project, initiated by the Government of Armenia, places a significant emphasis on building mutual trust as the foundation for peace. By actively engaging with neighbours and international partners, Armenia seeks to rebuild new cooperation in the region and foster understanding among nations.

“Through diplomatic initiatives, dialogue, and cultural exchange, we aspire to bridge divides and create an environment where nations can work together to confront global challenges.

Principles of Armenia's Crossroads of Peace project

“Armenia, with its rich history and strategic location, has launched the Crossroads of Peace project as a testament to its commitment to global cooperation.

“This visionary initiative aims to transform the region into a hub for a political dialogue, cultural exchange and international cooperation. It seeks to transcend traditional geopolitical divisions, fostering an environment where nations can converge to jointly address common challenges.

“The Crossroads of Peace has the potential to transform a fragmented region with closed borders into a macro-regional cooperation hub, to unleash the whole potential of the Caucasus, tout court.

“The biblical tale of Noah's Ark serves as a powerful metaphor for our collective journey in the face of global challenges, including climate change. Armenia, with its legacy of resilience and hope, aligns with the spirit of Noah's Ark, symbolizing a modern-day ark for humanity.

“The ark is a timeless symbol of survival, peaceful coexistence, and renewal. Armenia, too, envisions itself as a symbol of hope by fostering global cooperation, acknowledging the cost of crises, building peace through trust, championing democracy and innovation, and promoting value-based economic cooperation.

“Armenia strives to be a beacon of hope in a multipolar world. At the crossroads of history, we urge for strengthened global cooperation as we navigate geopolitical shifts in an evolving world order.

“The Crossroads of Peace project, inspired by our commitment to peace and partnership, exemplifies Armenia's vision for a more interconnected world where nations are united in the face of global challenges.

“In the spirit of Noah's Ark, let us embark on this collective journey, keeping hope alive and working together for a sustainable and harmonious future.”

 15:37, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia doesn’t have any territorial claims against any country but it has been developing its military and will defend itself until the end if needed, Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan has said.

“Is there any signal indicating that Armenia believes there will be peace in any case? Of course not. We have a military, we are developing our military, we will defend ourselves until the end if needed. But we are not planning to attack any country and we don’t have any territorial claims against any country,” Simonyan told reporters when asked on the possibility of war on the backdrop of the latest statements made by Azerbaijan.

 15:54, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. The exchange of proposals on a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan continues, Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan has said.

Asked to comment on the Armenian response to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s latest rhetoric, Simonyan said that nothing “drastic” has happened. He did however note that Aliyev’s rhetoric is sometimes detached from the logic of the negotiations.

 Speaking about the possible peace treaty, Simonyan said that all clauses of the would-be treaty will concern both sides. “There’s not a single thing in the draft treaty that would concern only one party. For example, when we talk about pulling back the troops, we are talking about a mirror [reciprocal] withdrawal. All narratives concern both Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Simonyan said.

Asked to comment on the Azerbaijani statements regarding the so-called Zangezur corridor, the Speaker reiterated that the draft peace treaty doesn’t include any clause on an extraterritorial corridor.

 15:51, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. "Yeremyan Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality"  is summarizing the activities of 2023.

In an interview with Armepress, the director of the academy, Aida Tigranyan discussed the programs implemented during the previous year, highlighted achievements, touched upon international collaborations and further activities.

Ahead of the 5th anniversary of  the Yeremyan Academy, the center  has been recertified by Activate Learning Group, City of Oxford College

2023 was quite a productive year for the Academy, both from the point of view of international and local collaborations and from the point of view of replenishing the army of our students.

One of our most significant achievements in 2023 was the re-certification by our partner, City of Oxford College. This achievement is a testament to our years of effective, consistent, and purposeful efforts.

Assessment and re-certification are carried out in line with high international standards and, usually, after the assessment, certain observations and instructions related to improving the  work quality are given.

I am proud to announce that we have received outstanding assessments from our international partners. This circumstance is, of course, more binding, and the Academy is committed to maintaining the same level of dedication and pace in  the future activities.

In terms of programs implemented through international cooperation, 2023 was a remarkably fruitful year for us.

Similar to previous years, 2023 continued to be marked by active collaboration, joint projects, and interesting initiatives for us.

Cooperating with various organizations and embassies, we welcomed guests and organized events for the exchange of experience and knowledge.

In June, we had a successful cooperation with the US Embassy in Armenia. As part of the joint initiative of the Culinary Diplomacy Program and the US Embassy, we hosted a famous American chef, the star of the "Chopped" cooking TV show, Amanda Freitag.

Amanda also organized a competition for our students, following the format of the renowned American cooking show "Chopped." Subsequently, she  shared her experience and skills. Amanda was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and creative approaches displayed by the participants, and, naturally, by the Academy as well.

Our joint work with the Italian Embassy in Armenia was our second initiative. As part of the "Days of Italian Cuisine" event, we hosted a master class and facilitated an experience exchange program for both Italian chefs and students.

 On the initiative of the Italian Embassy in Armenia, Professors Raffaele Massanova and Giaquinto Michele Aniello, along with students from the Ancel Case Higher Culinary Educational Institution of Italy, visited Armenia. We exchanged the secrets of our cuisine and traditions, and our Italian colleagues reciprocated by sharing theirs. This experience proved to be highly successful for both parties; our guests were thoroughly impressed with the Academy, its technical equipment, and programs.

These two cooperations will be continuous; we have already agreements. During the year, we hosted various guests, high-ranking officials, ambassadors. Those visits will be the basis for interesting and important projects for further strong cooperation.

 One of the significant projects implemented in 2023 was the "Hot Kitchen," in which the Academy was also actively involved. The project applicants and participants, witnessing the Academy's capabilities, became even more enthused and interested in pursuing a career as a chef. This stands as the most significant assessment and proof that we are on the right track in fulfilling our mission, continuing to contribute to elevating the role of the chef profession. Several participants have already applied to us to further their professional education.

 Assisting our compatriots from Artsakh remains a top priority for us.

We have always implemented projects for our compatriots. Following the events of September 2023, our entire team  mobilized. We developed programs for accelerated courses in cooking, confectionery, and restaurant management and service, and we started the acceptance of forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh.

 Our goal was to assist them by providing the necessary knowledge and skills to address employment challenges. Following the courses, job opportunities were offered, especially within "Yeremyan Projects" restaurants, and many participants accepted the offers. The course program for citizens of Artsakh is currently ongoing.

Ahead are the 5th anniversary events

In 2023, we had around 400 students, which is quite a good result. 2024 is a jubilee year for us. We will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Academy's activity, and we will carry out interesting initiatives and events.

We will continue to improve our educational programs, new collaborations and projects.

 16:47, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has always supported the One China principle, foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan told Armenpress when asked to present Armenia’s position regarding the 2024 Taiwanese “presidential election”.

“Armenia has always supported the One China principle. We reiterate our position on this occasion,” Badalyan said.

 17:23, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, 15 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 15 January, USD exchange rate up by 0.14 drams to 405.49 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.53 drams to 443.65 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 4.64 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.71 drams to 516.27 drams.

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

Gold price up by 354.61 drams to 26799.11 drams. Silver price up by 0.43 drams to 300.56 drams.

 17:56, 15 January 2024

 18:06, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended the defense of the thesis of high school students of Mkhitar Sebastatsi educational complex in Yerevan, the PM's Office said.

The research project of the student in the high school-research college of the educational complex is determined by the state standard of general education. The defense of research works for the 2023-2024 academic year began in the January camp 2024, will continue until the end of the academic year (one group per week, according to the readiness of the students).

Today, the second group of students presented their research work. The Prime Minister attended the defense at the invitation of one of them, Davit Muradyan, who is studying in the 10th grade. The topic of David's research work was "Non-verbal communication in politics". Then other students also presented their research works.

According to the source, the Prime Minister thanked and noted that such research works are interesting. According to Nikol Pashinyan, the implementation of research works in schools as part of the educational process is already a mandatory condition by the new standard of general education. 

"Today we made sure that it was the right decision and that the research component should be highlighted. In general, we believe, and this is the most important segment of our reforms in the field of education, that education and research are closely interconnected. What we heard and saw is clearly useful. First of all, why are we interested in such meetings and discussions? Because we constantly talk about that we should go after the decisions we made and see how they are expressed and maybe we need to improve and change them. This is also the reason why we are interested in attending such events," said the Prime Minister.

 19:27, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia referred to the pogroms against Armenians in Baku 34 years ago and noted that the pogroms became the culmination of policy of forcible displacement and ethnic cleansing of Armenian population from Azerbaijani SSR.

The Ministry  said in a post on X and noted that hundreds were murdered, mutilated and disappeared, half a million became refugees.

“We pay tribute to memory of innocent victims and stress imperative to prevent such policies and need of all the rights to be addressed,” reads the post.