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Armenian diplomats urge California to turn MOUs into projects, highlight COP17 and strategic ties
Summary
Armenia's ambassador and the Los Angeles consul general told California lawmakers that Armenia is opening to diversified partnerships in technology, energy and education and urged conversion of memoranda into concrete projects; they highlighted upcoming international events including COP17 in Yerevan.
Armenia's diplomatic representatives used the select‑committee hearing to press for deeper, project‑level ties with California across technology, energy, education and cultural sectors.
In prerecorded remarks, Ambassador H. G. Naruk Makarchian said Armenia is "rapidly becoming one of the world's emerging innovation ecosystems" with capabilities in artificial intelligence and semiconductor design, and called on California to help make MOUs "a reality because the existing bilateral agreement...really has a huge potential." He urged engagement by the Armenian American community and noted Armenia's push for strategic partnerships.
Consul General Anna Avatessian (Los Angeles) described Armenia's recent diplomatic milestones—including an Armenia‑EU summit and the Washington peace summit referenced in her remarks—and emphasized upcoming events. "This year, in October, Armenia will host COP 17," she said, urging California participation and noting the state’s potential role in conservation and biodiversity work.
Both diplomats said institutional cooperation—trade desks, academic exchanges, and public‑private partnerships—should be reenergized and operationalized to expand two‑way investment, student exchanges and research collaboration.
