Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is paying a working visit to the Artsakh Republic. Earlier today the Armenian Premier and the President of Artsakh held private talks in Stepanakert.

“Dear Mr. Prime Minister, first of all I wish to thank you for paying another visit to Artsakh. I would like to share my impression of yesterday’s ceremonious event held in Sardarapat.

Yesterday was a symbolic day. We have had many opportunities to appreciate our soldiers’ bravery, but the successful defensive operation in Tavush made me remember the heroic battles of 1990s. Let me say that this is another brilliant victory recorded during the years of independence. I want to congratulate all of us on yesterday’s event, which came to evidence that the path we have chosen is right.

I would like to greet you again in the Republic of Artsakh. We have planned a visit to the Armed Forces, to the front line, but also some large economic projects, which are of systemic importance not only for Artsakh’s economy, but also for the economy of the Republic of Armenia. You are welcome to Artsakh,” Arayik Harutyunyan said.

“Mr. President, I am glad for today’s meeting. This is my first visit to Artsakh after your inauguration. Of course, we will reciprocate several visits; we will have the opportunity to discuss the processes taking place in our region.

Unfortunately, the military-political situation in the region remains tense: we are witnessing provocative actions. On the other hand, our tactics, strategy and the development strategy have not changed, because those continued provocations are predictable.

We have discussed the parameters many times. We have a hectic joint agenda, including first of all the development of the Armenian Armed Forces, and the Artsakh Defense Army. We have specific commitments with regard to Artsakh. We have rather a broad agenda in the field of economy and energy.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has somewhat affected the economic environment, and we have to make more efforts not only to set the economic mood to the one we had before pandemic, but also to give much higher notes.

Yesterday’s event was very important, I am glad that we will have a similar ceremony in Stepanakert, which is important, too. Events like that promote national unity; they give us new strength and energy, because the dreams and the noble ideas cherished by our living heroes, our martyrs should serve as a guideline in our daily work. Indeed, we should realize that this will not happen in one go, we just have to be consistent,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

“I would like to introduce the economic situation in a few words. The opportunity created by the Government of the Republic of Armenia under your direct leadership will help us sum up the year without shortfalls. This is a great success for us, and we predict a double-digit growth for the coming year, based on the programs we have launched today. They are aimed at infrastructure development, large-scale road building activities, construction of irrigation systems. A major irrigation system modernization and development program is underway, due to be complete in a year and a half.

At this stage, we envisage the possibility of irrigating 35,000 hectares, which will not only redress the economic indicators, but also, as we discussed at the joint session of the Security Councils, will help us meet the food security challenges facing our common homeland.

Of course, we will not limit ourselves to this: we have set clear-cut objectives in terms of processing capacities, especially in the food industry. In general, food processing industry is seen as a priority, and we are looking for opportunities to enter new markets.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you once again for sustained cooperation and for your prompt responsiveness to our needs. This is what matters most to us,” the President of the Artsakh Republic said.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his spouse Anna Hakobyan attended a high state awards giving ceremony in Stepanakert. The event was also attended by Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan with his spouse, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, representatives from Armenia’s and Artsakh’s governments, parliaments, other high-ranking dignitaries.

AR President Arayik Harutyunyan handed posthumous awards – Artsakh Hero’s Golden Eagle Medals – to Nagorno Karabakh Republic Supreme Council First President Arthur Mkrtchyan’s widow and Artsakh Defense Army NN Military Unit 4th Rifle Battalion’s Captain Armenak Urfanyan’s mother.

On the 29th anniversary of the proclamation of the Artsakh Republic, reserve officer Vahram Tamrazyan was awarded the First Degree Combat Cross Order for valuable contribution to the modernization of communication systems during the Artsakh Liberation War, as well as for services rendered in the field of military industry.

On the 29th anniversary of the proclamation of the Artsakh Republic, Hovsep Hovsepyan was awarded the First Degree Combat Cross Order for exceptional courage and bravery in the battles waged for the defense of the Motherland.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated:
“Honorable President of the Artsakh Republic,
Dear Mrs. Harutyunyan,
Your Grace,
Dear Mkrtchyan family members,
Dear Urfanyan family members,
Dear Mr. Tamrazyan,
Dear Mr. Hovsepyan,
Distinguished Representatives of the Governments of Armenia and Artsakh

This is a very exciting and important event. I think today’s most important symbol is that we remember our history. Of course, we eye the future every day and every hour, nevertheless we must have an accurate idea of the past in order to build a bright and safe future.

It is symbolic that today the title of Hero of Artsakh is being awarded to a representative of the first generation of our liberation war and to a modern generation representative. They are awarded on the same day, in the same place, and at the same time. This is emblematic indeed.

I think that today’s ceremony goes in tune with yesterday’s event held in Sardarapat. Moreover, we say Sardarapat is a historic venue, but Stepanakert is no less symbolic for the Armenian people. There is also an important meaning here: Sardarapat ushered in the birth of our First Republic, while the liberation of Artsakh heralded the inception of the Third Republic of Armenia and the formation of a free and independent Artsakh.

Ideas and perceptions are very important. We recently adopted a national security strategy, and we made a point of enshrining our ethnic roots and values in the new strategy.

I consider yesterday’s and today’s events symbolic in that we must hold fast to our traditional values; we must appreciate the system of values build up during our modern history, and I think that Ruben Sanamyan, who was awarded the title of National Hero of Armenia yesterday, our other awardees testify to the fact that the cause pursued by our first-generation freedom fighters, the heroes of Sardarapat is still alive. Those awarded yesterday went on duty today. Yesterday Captain Sanamyan was awarded the title of Armenia’s National Hero, and today he is on duty to defend the Motherland. This is a new symbol, a new path, a new perception, which glorifies our heroes of the past.

I am convinced that our heroic youth, our soldiers, officers, generals, who go on duty and commit acts of heroism, keep in mind the heroes of the past. This is a holistic work, and we have to do this work together. Our martyrs are with us, because their presence is being emphasized today.”

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On a working visit to the Artsakh Republic, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined AR President Arayik Harutyunyan for a visit to Kashen mining complex operated by Base Metals Ltd. Accompanied by Base Metals company’s top executives, the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Artsakh toured the complex to get acquainted with the company’s ongoing activities and upcoming programs.

Base Metals Ltd is among Artsakh’s largest production associations, which is implementing different projects in a number of areas. The technology and equipment used by Base Metals meets all modern environmental standards.

During the consultation held after the tour, the company’s executives introduced the mining process and detailed their development prospects.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is paying a working visit to the Artsakh Republic, visited the Defense Army headquarters together with Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan. The two heads of state co-chaired a consultation, attended by Artsakh Republic Defense Minister and DA Commander, Major-General Jalal Harutyunyan, who reported progress in the army development program.

Issues related to the furtherance of Armenia-Artsakh military cooperation and improvement of mechanisms for deterring the adversary were discussed during the meeting.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan for a visit to border posts. Armenia’s Prime Minister and the President of Artsakh were accompanied by RA Defense Minister David Tonoyan and AR Defense Minister, Defense Army Commander Jalal Harutyunyan.

The leaders of the two Armenian states were shown engineering and fortification infrastructure, new defense technologies and armaments. They were briefed on the ongoing activities aimed at ensuring higher level of safety for troops on duty. Nikol Pashinyan and Arayik Harutyunyan inspected servicemen’s living conditions and talked to the soldiers.

Afterwards they called at one of the Defense Army units to attend the newly built canteen’s opening ceremony. A new diet regime has recently been introduced there. Prime Minister Pashinyan got acquainted with the assortment and quality of food products offered to servicemen

The Prime Minister of Armenia noted that the process of introducing a new diet regime continues successfully. He highlighted the efforts aimed at developing our armed forces and the military industry, stressing that this is a top priority for the Government of the Republic of Armenia.