Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, held a meeting with an Amazon Web Services (AWS) delegation, including Franco Spicciariello, Director of Public Policy for the Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, and Sargis Ghazaryan, Public Policy and International Affairs Manager, the Ministry of High-Tech Industry said.
The meeting took place within the framework of U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s official visit to Armenia and the Armenia–U.S. Tech and Innovation Summit.
It was a continuation of the strategic dialogue under the previously signed memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and AWS, as well as the U.S.–Armenia memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and semiconductors, signed on August 8, 2025. These agreements aim to introduce edge technologies as key drivers of Armenia’s economic modernization and resilience.
According to the ministry’s readout, the parties discussed progress achieved under the existing memoranda and reaffirmed their readiness to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and satellite communications. Special attention was given to strengthening Armenia’s technological sovereignty and implementing next-generation solutions across industry, education, and public services.
A key topic of the meeting was the continued development of the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Institute (AIVI), where AWS serves as a strategic partner by providing cloud technology solutions, technical expertise, and capacity-building tools. The institute is envisioned as a platform for applied research, workforce development, and innovation in artificial intelligence, aligned with international standards and evolving market demands.
The discussion also covered opportunities to expand cooperation in satellite communications and space-technology-based services, particularly in applying cloud platforms to ensure secure communications, data processing, and edge computing solutions. These areas were highlighted as essential for developing smart infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, remote services, and national digital resilience.
In his remarks, Minister Hayrapetyan noted that Armenia views partnerships with leading global technology companies as a strategic foundation for building a competitive, innovation-driven economy. He emphasized that cooperation in artificial intelligence and satellite technologies is crucial for developing high value-added industries and transforming Armenia into a regional hub for emerging technologies.
The AWS delegation reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to cooperation with Armenia, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating innovation, developing talent, and implementing scalable, secure technology solutions.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties also discussed practical steps for advancing initiatives raised at the Armenia–U.S. Technology and Innovation Summit. They agreed on next steps for further collaboration, focusing on the introduction of leading-edge technologies and the development of Armenia’s digital infrastructure.
