Working visit of the President Vahagn Khachaturyan to the Swiss Confederation

During his working visit to the Swiss Confederation, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan visited St. Hakob Church in Geneva. The President was received and welcomed by the Vicar of the Armenian Diocese of Switzerland, the Reverend Father Goosan Aljanian.

The President toured the church, met with representatives of the Armenian community in Geneva, and briefly presented details on the current situation and developments in Armenia and the region.

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Within the framework of his working visit to Switzerland, the President of the Republic, Vahagn Khachaturyan, visited the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), one of the world's leading scientific centers.

During the visit, the President toured the center's laboratory facilities, became acquainted with the applied and scientific research activities being carried out, as well as the international scientific and educational programs operating at CERN.

It was noted that since 1998, CERN has been implementing an international teacher training program aimed at improving the quality of teaching physics and related natural sciences. To date, thousands of teachers from various countries around the world have participated in the program. Within the framework of this initiative, a separate program is also in place for Armenian teachers, under which, in 2024, a group of teachers from Armenia underwent training at CERN for the first time.

The President also met with a group of Armenian teachers currently at CERN as part of this year's training program. During the discussion, issues related to participation in the program, the professional experience gained, and the application of it within Armenia's education system were addressed.

President Vahagn Khachaturyan emphasized the importance of the continuity of such initiatives, highlighting the key role of international cooperation in the development of education and science.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Masrour Barzani.

During the meeting, the prospects for developing cooperation between Armenia and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in political, economic, and a number of other fields were discussed. The sides emphasized the importance of deepening ties and expanding practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The interlocutors also addressed regional realities and current developments, highlighting the importance of strengthening peace, stability, and security. In this context, the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative was discussed, and the TRIPP project was presented within the framework of developing regional communications. It was emphasized that the implementation of such initiatives serves the interests of all countries in the region and provides an opportunity to realize the broad potential existing in the economic, transport, and logistics sectors.

The sides also underscored the importance of continuing cooperation across various international platforms, emphasizing the need for mutual dialogue and coordinated approaches in the face of regional and global challenges.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the President of the Republic, Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb.

During the meeting, the President of the Republic expressed his gratitude to his Finnish counterpart for Finland's consistent support to Armenia and to the peace process in the region over the years. The sides discussed issues related to regional realities and current developments, emphasizing approaches aimed at strengthening stability, peace, and cooperation.

The conversation also touched upon the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative as well as the TRIPP project, highlighting that such programs aimed at developing regional communications contribute to increased connectivity and serve the interests of both the region and the broader international community.

The sides underscored the importance of developing bilateral cooperation, as well as cooperation within the framework of the European Union. In this context, the significance of cooperation with Finland was also emphasized within the framework of Armenia's engagement with the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), viewing it as an effective platform for expanding political dialogue and sectoral cooperation.

The President of the Republic highly appreciated Finland's successful experience in a number of fields, particularly in general education, emphasizing the ways of studying and applying this experience in Armenia. Armenia's commitment to democratic values and principles, as well as the ongoing reforms and efforts undertaken in this direction, were also noted.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki.

During the meeting, the sides discussed key issues on the agenda of close cooperation between the two countries in the political, financial-economic, business, and educational spheres. Both sides emphasized the importance of taking the necessary steps to further develop effective cooperation, particularly through the development and implementation of new cooperation programs and the promotion of investment initiatives.

The meeting also addressed regional developments and the overall situation. The crucial role of peace and stability for the development of the entire region was underscored. In this context, the implementation of the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative was highly valued, as well as the role of the August 8 agreement as an effective instrument for activating communication routes and ensuring economic and infrastructure development.

It was noted that the Tripp project serves as a unifying platform for the region and promotes the efficient organization of trade and transport links, which significantly contributes to regional development and the deepening of cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of Poland invited the President of the Republic of Armenia to visit Poland at a convenient time, highlighting the readiness of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations and move to a new level of mutual trust.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan addressed the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan during the panel session titled "Defining Eurasia's Economic Identity."

"The future depends on us, I mean the leaders of our countries, and the leaders of our countries have demonstrated their readiness, shown political courage and will that will establish this peace," the President stated.

In his remarks, the President emphasized that the key to achieving success on the path to peace lies in clear agreements reached between the two countries and in mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction.

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President Vahagn Khachaturyan participated in the panel session "Defining Eurasia's Economic Identity" alongside the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, and Ebru Özdemir, representative of Turkey and Limak Holding.

In his remarks, the President emphasized the crucial role of establishing peace and stability in the region for the economic development of the South Caucasus countries, as well as for ensuring normal East-West connectivity and free economic cooperation. It was underscored that a peaceful and stable South Caucasus can become a key hub between Europe and Asia, creating multi-layered opportunities for economic development.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković.

During the meeting, a number of issues related to the development of cooperation between Armenia and Croatia were discussed, emphasizing the importance of deepening bilateral relations and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.

The interlocutors addressed opportunities for advancing partnership both in the bilateral format and within the framework of the European Union, highlighting the importance of intensifying political dialogue, expanding economic ties, and developing sectoral cooperation. In this context, they exchanged views on intensifying joint efforts to deepen and expand cooperation in green energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, culture, and several other areas, emphasizing the significance of sustainable development and the application of innovative approaches.

The meeting also touched upon the European Political Community Summit scheduled to be held in Armenia this year.

The interlocutors emphasized the importance of holding the summit as an effective platform for promoting regional and European political dialogue, underlining its significance in strengthening peace, cooperation, and trust.

The future of EU enlargement and the new challenges associated with it were also discussed.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.

During the meeting, issues related to missing persons, prisoners of war, and other detained individuals were discussed, as well as a number of humanitarian matters.

President Khachaturyan emphasized the importance of close and continuous cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighting its key role in overcoming humanitarian crises, protecting affected populations, and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law.

In the course of the conversation, the President noted that efforts aimed at the return of prisoners of war and other detained persons, as well as at clarifying the fate of missing persons, are of great importance, stressing the need to further intensify joint efforts in this direction. It was emphasized that the resolution of humanitarian issues must be a priority.

The meeting also addressed regional developments and the overall situation, underscoring the importance of establishing peace and ensuring stability. In this context, high appreciation was expressed for the humanitarian activities carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross in the region over the years, as well as for the vital role of the Red Cross in general during conflicts, in saving human lives and protecting human destinies.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Vahagn Khachaturyan attended the signing ceremony of the Charter of the "Board of Peace".

The session was chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump. Representatives of 19 countries participated in the session, and from the Armenian side, the charter was signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan.

Leaders and representatives of Argentina, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and other countries were present at the session.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with Zoran Bogdanovic, Chief Executive Officer of the Coca-Cola company.

During the meeting, the effective and stable cooperation established between Coca-Cola and Armenia over nearly three decades was highly appreciated, with emphasis placed on its significant contribution to the country's economy, job creation, and the implementation of social responsibility initiatives.

The sides discussed ways for further expanding cooperation, particularly in the context of production development, new investment programs, as well as initiatives aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development.

In this context, reference was also made to the UN Biodiversity COP-17 Conference to be held in Armenia, its international significance, and Armenia's role in the global environmental agenda. The sides underscored the importance of private sector engagement in such platforms and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized their readiness to continue and deepen the partnership relations established between Armenia and the Coca-Cola company.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with President of the Republic of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

During the meeting, President Khachaturyan briefed the President of Singapore on the latest security and political developments in the South Caucasus, touched upon the overall regional situation, as well as the progress of the peace process with Azerbaijan and Armenia's approaches regarding it.

The sides discussed opportunities for developing cooperation between Armenia and Singapore in areas of mutual interest. In this context, the potential for expanding bilateral cooperation was emphasized, particularly in the fields of information technology and high technologies, taking into account Armenia's rapidly developing technological system and its existing international partnerships in this sector, including effective cooperation with NVIDIA.

The sides highlighted the importance of promoting economic, investment, and innovation initiatives, exchanging experience, as well as implementing joint projects with the involvement of the private sector. Reference was also made to the expansion of bilateral relations on multilateral platforms and within international organizations, as well as to exploring and deepening ways for cooperation in these frameworks.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan visited "America House."

"America House" is the official platform of the United States, which during the days of the Forum serves as a hub for meetings and events, bringing together representatives of government institutions, business communities, and expert circles.

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During the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan met with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who participated in the Forum with a special concert program.

The distinguished musician expressed his high appreciation for Armenia, the Armenian people, and Armenian culture, in response to which the President invited him to visit Armenia. Yo-Yo Ma thanked him for the invitation and expressed his willingness to perform in Armenia on a suitable occasion.

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Within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan held discussions with Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tim Cook, Apple Chief Executive Officer, and Jensen Huang, NVIDIA Chief Executive Officer.

The sides exchanged views on opportunities for implementing Armenia's adopted development concepts in the fields of renewable energy, high technologies, and information technologies, as well as on intensifying cooperation in these areas.

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Within the framework of the Davos Economic Forum, President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan held discussions with Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy of Kuwait, Charles Hajj, the Minister of Telecommunications of Lebanon, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian political figure, and Odile Renaud-Basso, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The discussions addressed general regional and geopolitical developments, steps being taken to establish peace and stability, as well as initiatives necessary to address existing challenges.