Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a working discussion with the Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan, during which the work carried out towards the introduction of a new system of biometric passports and identification cards in the Republic of Armenia was presented.

In his introductory speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the process of introducing biometric passports and identification cards is in its final stage and they will be available to citizens from the fall of 2026.

Arpine Sargsyan emphasized that the purpose of introducing the new system is to ensure that identity documents comply with high international standards, in particular, the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). According to the Minister of Internal Affairs, it will increase the reliability of documents, facilitate border crossings and contribute to the free movement of citizens, including in the process of visa liberalization with the European Union.

It was noted that within the framework of the introduction of the new system, modern infrastructures are being created. The program is being implemented in the format of state-private partnership. The new passports will have high-level protective mechanisms, security components, including ultraviolet layers.

At the same time, it was emphasized that the design of the document reflects the Armenian identity, historical and cultural heritage and symbols of statehood. Accordingly, first of all, the outline map of the Republic of Armenia is reflected, the alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots and the first Armenian-letter sentence is reflected: “To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight.”

Continuing to present the images placed on different pages of the document, it was noted that it begins with the genealogy of the Armenians, with the image of Hayk Nahapet and the petroglyphs discovered in the Geghama Mountains and Ukhtasar, which have a rather ancient history. The next important milestone in history is also presented - the cuneiform inscription of the founding of Yerevan, which is a very important part of the Armenian identity and history. It was emphasized that the image of the Erebuni fortress has been restored by scientists. Next, the boundary stones of the Artaxerxes period are presented, on which there are Aramaic inscriptions. It was emphasized that the choice of the boundary stone was not accidental, it was a very important state and legal tool even in that period, because it showed the existence of the state, the essence of state administration, and also the land reforms that took place during that period.

The next page presents the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, which symbolizes the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 301. The year of the adoption of Christianity itself is emphasized as one of the key parts of our identity and history.

In accordance with the logic of ceremonial seniority, the symbols of modern statehood are presented: the residence of the President of the Republic of Armenia, the Government Building, the National Assembly Building, the Constitutional Court Building. The Yerevan Cascade and Alexander Tamanyan, as the forefather of modern urban planning, are also depicted.

There is also a reference to the regions. In alphabetical order, the Aragatsotn region is represented by the four peaks of Mount Aragats, the Ararat region by Khor Virap, one of the most important centers of Christianity, the Armavir region by the process of baking lavash, the orchards and fruits, the Gegharkunik region by Lake Sevan and the 10th-century Berdkunq fortress, the Kotayk region by the pagan temple of Garni, the Lori region by the Lori Berd fortress, the Shirak region by the street of the historical center of Gyumri and the famous Phaeton scene, the Syunik region by the Baghaberd fortress, the Tavush region by the Sranots bridge, the Vayots Dzor region by the Jermuk waterfall and the famous deer, the symbol of Jermuk. The Prime Minister emphasized that through all these historical and cultural monuments, an attempt has been made to show the diversity and multi-layeredness of Armenia.

It was emphasized that in parallel with the introduction of biometric passports, it is also planned to introduce automatic, contactless crossing systems at border checkpoints, which will significantly facilitate and accelerate the movement of citizens.

Summing up the presentation of the passport, the Prime Minister noted that with this step, Armenia is taking an important step towards having a modern, secure passport system meeting international standards.