Pashinyan highlights Armenia’s transformation into AI and technology hub

Pashinyan highlights Armenia’s transformation into AI and technology hub

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has credited his administration’s projects with transforming Armenia into a modern technological and AI hub.

Speaking at a campaign event for the Civil Contract Party ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7, Pashinyan said that the initiatives implemented in recent years are already materializing.

He highlighted three Armenia–U.S. deals signed between himself and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington last year, one of which concerns cooperation in AI.

Speaking to voters in Tsovak, Gegharkunik Province, he said that at the time there were criticisms that the signed documents had no practical significance, but that the criticism has now proven to be wrong.

“What were they saying? They were saying it is a piece of paper, it has no legal force, no consequences, it is a meaningless document signed for PR purposes,” he said, noting, however, that concrete results have already emerged.

“What do we see today? Less than a year has passed since that document was signed, but we already have an artificial intelligence center at Yerevan State University, and the first AI factory has already been opened in Gegharkunik Province, in Gagarin,” Pashinyan said, referring to the supercomputer center at YSU and the recently opened Eleveight AI data center.

According to Pashinyan, progress in the technology sector is also linked to state policy aimed at the development of science.

Pashinyan recalled that in recent years, his administration has significantly increased science funding, while salaries in the scientific sector have also been raised.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the state has also invested in the development of the domestic defense industry, noting that these steps have contributed to the creation and application of new technologies.

Pashinyan said that companies in Armenia’s defense industry are already exporting products and armaments to developed countries.

Pashinyan also noted that during the military parade held on May 28 at Republic Square, both modern weapon systems produced in various countries and several types of armaments manufactured in Armenia were presented, which also demonstrates the country’s growing technological capabilities.

“Armenia is also becoming a hub for modern technologies and artificial intelligence,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan is running for re-election on the Civil Contract ticket. Sixteen political parties and two blocs are running in total. Pashinyan has officially taken leave in order to be able to campaign.