Armenia has allocated an additional 1.6 billion drams, or approximately $4.7 million, for the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, currently being held in Yerevan. The decision was approved at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.

Armenia’s NSS has confirmed that an Azerbaijani citizen entered Armenian territory in Tavush Province after losing his way. While the agency said measures were being taken to return him, Azerbaijani media have reported that he has since been returned.

Members of Iran’s nationwide network of university lecturers formed a human chain along the coast of Hormuz Island, expressing their readiness to defend the country’s maritime and land borders.

Azerbaijan has added 31 turkish citizens to its list of undesirable persons, citing statements allegedly targeting the country's sovereignty, national security, and leadership, according to the azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Armenian opposition mayoral candidate Arsen Gevorgyan arrested in Stepanavan ahead of Sunday's local elections, opposition MP Arega Hovsepyan reports. Around 14 people have reportedly been detained.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with a U.S. delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Oslo, Norway.

Armed police have tightened security near Azerbaijan’s Consulate General in Istanbul following a protest by religious activists over alleged hijab restrictions in Azerbaijani educational institutions.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said authorities may classify the arson of Limoges City Hall as a terrorist act.

Protesters Set Restaurant on Fire and Assault Its Owner in Paris.

Iranians Retrieve iPhones From Sunken Ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Riots in Central Milan: Protesters Loot Stores and Clash With Police Over Rising Prices

Protesters Loot Luxury Stores in France.

The bell tower of Limoges City Hall has collapsed following a major fire during protests in the French city. The landmark was more than 140 years old.

Bezos Earth Fund Announces $500 Million Commitment to Species Recovery at COP17.

Canada’s Hayasa Metals plans to invest $10 million to $20 million in Armenia over the coming years to explore for new copper deposits. The company is also seeking partners for geological exploration under its Vardenis project.

Armenia and Colombia are leading a global effort to protect endangered species. Leonardo DiCaprio highlighted the initiative at COP17, where 17 countries joined efforts to restore threatened wildlife populations.

Yerevan Declaration Calls for Urgent Action to Halt Biodiversity Loss by 2030

Pashinyan Shares Footage of Armenia’s Pavilion at COP17.

Speaking on the sidelines of COP17 in Yerevan, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli said the normalization process between Armenia and Turkey was gaining momentum.

COP17 in photos: Leaders, officials who arrived in Armenia