Author: Baben Ispiryan

Hunger remains a chronic problem in Asia, with 55 million more people undernourished in 2022 than before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization says in its latest assessment of food security in the region. Most of those living without enough to eat are in South Asia, and women tend to be less food secure than men, the report says. The FAO’s study focuses on food supply, consumption and dietary energy needs and is designed to capture a state of chronic energy deprivation that stunts growth and saps productivity and quality of life. The share of people in the region…

This year the Armenia-Estonia relations were distinguished by rather active political dialogue, mutual visits, contacts in international platforms and political consultations, Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna in Yerevan. He said they expressed willingness to take steps to maintain the dynamics of development of ties and enhance the agenda. “Today we had the chance to discuss a rather broad circle of issues. In addition to the enhancing political dialogue, we attached importance to the economic component of bilateral ties, as well as maximal use of potential for the development of…

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed as investors assessed key economic data from Japan on Friday. The world’s third largest economy saw its core inflation rate rise to 2.9% in October, higher than the 2.8% seen in the month before. The headline inflation rate came in at 3.3%, accelerating from the 3% seen in September. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed as investors returned after a public holiday, gaining 0.52% to hit its highest level since July 3, while the Topix advanced 0.54% to end at 2,390.94. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.17% to close at 7,040.8. South Korea’s Kospi slid 0.73%, finishing at 2,496.63 and snapping a four-day winning streak,…

As Armenia gradually turns away from its traditional strategic ally, Russia, it is tentatively exploring deeper partnerships with the likes of France and the United States. And then there is Iran. Tehran and Yerevan have enjoyed cordial – even warm – relations since the early 1990s. That entente now looks poised to develop yet further, but geopolitics makes this a complicated proposition. The appeal of this development is most evident in the numbers. As Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan told Armenian Public Television in an interview aired on November 14, trade between Armenia and Iran is booming. Where the countries traded $350 million worth…

The statement envisages a prisoner swap and has rekindled hopes for a long-awaited peace treaty. On December 7 evening, Armenia and Azerbaijan issued an unexpected joint statement, the first of its kind that did not bear the signature of any mediator working on the peace process between the two. According to the statement, Armenia and Azerbaijan “share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region.” “The two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it…

The Marianas Visitors Authority joined the leading travel trade show in Asia, ITB Asia, which was held on Oct. 25-27, 2023, in Singapore. ITB Asia is an annual B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry designed to be the primary event for the Asia-Pacific travel industry. Adopting the motto “Accelerating Growth: Paving the Way for New Opportunities in Travel & Tourism,” the conference gathered representatives of destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities, travel technology companies, and more from across the world. Over 160…

Within the framework of the tender for the modernization of the material and technical base of the scientific divisions of the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, the application submitted by the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Foundation’s Department of Armenian Genocide Victims’ Documentation and Data Collection was approved for funding. Within the framework of financing, it is planned to purchase 27 appropriate devices. The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute informed that the project to be implemented, aimed at re-equipping the museum-institute with modern technical means, will allow the following: As a result of…

The MArG 155mm/39 calibre stands out for its exceptional all-terrain manoeuvrability, capable of negotiating gradients up to 30°. Armenia is set to bolster its military capabilities through the acquisition of India-made MArG 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers from Pune-based Bharat Forge. Representing a cutting-edge artillery system, these howitzers embody power, precision, and mobility. The MArG 155mm/39 calibre stands out for its exceptional all-terrain manoeuvrability, capable of negotiating gradients up to 30°. Its ‘shoot and scoot’ capability adds versatility, making it a formidable weapon in modern combat scenarios. This move signifies a pivotal moment for India’s export of indigenous defence technology. The…

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of the Republic of Armenia Gnel Sanosyan will participate in the Global Maritime Summit of India and in the round table discussion dedicated to the port of Chabahar. “On October 16-19, I was sent to the Republic of India (Mumbai) to participate in the Global Maritime Summit of India and the round table discussion on the port of Chabahar,” Minister Sanosyan said in a statement on Facebook. Source : Armenpress

Rivals Armenia and Azerbaijan clash Thursday at the UN’s top court, with Yerevan asking judges to force Baku to withdraw troops from Nagorno-Karabakh and allow displaced ethnic Armenians to return safely to the breakaway region. The hearings at the International Court of Justice come only weeks after Azerbaijan’s lightning offensive to take control of the disputed area of Nagorno-Karabakh for the first time in three decades. The one-day operation sparked a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians, with the vast majority of the estimated 120,000 who had been living in the territory fleeing into Armenia. The separatist Karabakh authorities announced that the self-proclaimed republic will be dissolved on January 1,…