ArmInfo. The Ministry of High-Tech Industry (HTI) of Armenia made an explanation due to the scandal that broke out around the participation of the Armenian side in the International Defense Conference & Exhibition in the capital of the United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi from February 21 to 25.
It should be noted that a scandal erupted the day before due to the fact that the pavilion of Armenia at the exhibition was empty and instead of the samples of weapons of the Armenian military-industrial complex, only booklets were presented in the pavilions. As it turned out, due to the careless organization of the delivery of Armenian defense products to the exhibition, the cargo was still stuck in Moscow for unknown reasons and was not delivered to Abu Dhabi on time. Against the backdrop of the outbreak of the scandal and in view of the fact that the state allocated considerable funds to participate in the exhibition, the Ministry was forced to make excuses.
So, in the statement of the department, in particular, it says: "Regarding the participation of Armenia in the international military-industrial exhibition IDEX-2021, in particular, the absence of exhibits in the pavilion of Armenian companies, we inform you that the delivery of exhibits was organized in advance, with the expectation that they will be in place. on time, before the opening of the exhibition.
Due to logistical problems, samples of Armenian military equipment did not reach Abu Dhabi. To clarify the circumstances of the incident, by order of the minister, an official investigation is carried out. Despite the problem that has arisen, Armenian companies work effectively at the exhibition to present their products with dignity. They establish contacts with international partners, discover new opportunities and sales markets, study international experience in the field of military equipment. " As ArmInfo previously reported, by the decision of RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian delegation headed by the Minister of High-Tech Industry Hakob Arshakyan is taking part in the International Defense Conference & Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
By the decision of the Prime Minister, the expenses for the trip of the delegation were made at the expense of the funds provided by the state budget of the RA for 2021 for business trips abroad. It was noted that the daily expenses of the Armenian delegation will be covered by the inviting party. The Minister of High-Tech Industry is instructed to submit a report on the results of a business trip to the UAE to the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs within three days after returning from a business trip. Note that the International Defense Conference & Exhibition, or IDEX 2021 for short, will be held from February 21 to 25 in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi.
The exhibition is dedicated to technologies for ensuring public and state security. The demonstration of samples of weapons, including wheeled and tracked vehicles, will continue this time as well. The theme of the exhibition is very relevant, it emphasizes the need for integration and cooperation in anti-defense technologies. It is a unique platform for building and strengthening relationships with government departments, businesses and the military, and attracted 1,200 exhibiting companies and over 100,000 visitors in 2019. This year, IDEX 2021 will traditionally be held in conjunction with the navy exhibition.
Notably, according to a press release issued by IDEX, the first ever IDEX event will feature the Israel Pavilion, which will be attended by over 30 defense and security companies.