Armenia may take steps to host the largest UN climate change conference. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday stated this at a press briefing following the Cabinet meeting of the Armenian government, with respect to the criticism on Armenia hosting the ongoing 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, being held in Yerevan.

“For some reason, it seems to us that people in the world are waking up, and their first thought is about the historical Armenian civilization and the Armenian people in general. The Republic of Armenia has very limited recognition in the world, and events like COP17 also aim to increase the country’s recognition. And recognition is an economic factor. Let those people come to Yerevan, see the crowded hotels, cafes and restaurants, and talk to taxi drivers, who have no shortage of work,” Pashinyan said.

He added that the largest of the COP conferences is dedicated to climate change, and Turkey will host it in November.

“It is possible that Armenia will also consider the option of holding the COP climate conference. Modern Armenia positions itself as a country that is capable of hosting high-level international meetings,” added the head of Armenian government.