YEREVAN — Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan hosted a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud, at the Government Building in Yerevan.

Pashinyan, according to his office, welcomed Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud’s visit to Armenia and highlighted the significance of holding this year’s award ceremony for the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development in the country.

"This is very good and welcome news for us. We know that it is a highly prestigious award, and I will also be attending the ceremony this evening—it is a great honor for me," Pashinyan stated. "As you know, COP17 is currently taking place in Armenia. Issues concerning biodiversity and sustainability are becoming increasingly important for each of us. I hope that, through international cooperation, we will be able to find solutions to this global challenge. Welcome. I would like to hear your impressions and your assessment of the current situation."

The Saudi prince expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality, noting that this marks his second visit to Armenia in the last two years.

"Honestly, every time I visit Armenia, I feel a desire to return. I am trying to arrange for my wife and family to visit as well—not only to get acquainted with the country, its wonderful culture, and its centuries-old history, but also to identify projects that we might implement together in Armenia," Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud remarked. "Naturally, holding the award ceremony for the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development here in Armenia is of great importance to us. Over the years, Armenia has gone through various stages, and today we are delighted to see what it has achieved. Hosting COP17 here is also very important."

Subsequently, Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud spoke at length about the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development and outlined the core objectives of the award.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the prospects for the further development of relations between Armenia and Saudi Arabia. Both sides highlighted the significance of the recent establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, expressing confidence that this breakthrough would provide fresh impetus for developing cooperation and expanding ties across various sectors. Views were also exchanged regarding opportunities for implementing investment projects in Armenia.

Pashinyan and Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud also addressed issues of regional importance, with both sides emphasizing the critical importance of establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and strengthening stability in the South Caucasus region.