Armenian Deputy PM Tigran Khachatryan today, in Yerevan, met with a delegation led by Frederick De Wilde, Regional President for South and Southeast Asia, CIS, Middle East and Africa, of Philip Morris International.

The company’s current product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heated tobacco, e-vapor, and oral smokeless products.

Khachatryan’s office, in a statement, does not mention the history of the company, i.e., the manufacture and worldwide sale of tobacco products.

Instead, the statement merely says “Khachatryan highly appreciated the scientific research initiatives implemented by Philip Morris International in Armenia, emphasizing their importance in developing scientific potential and promoting educational programs.”

The statement adds that the sides also discussed future cooperation prospects.

What this scientific research involves and what educational programs the company implements in Armenia also is unclear.

PMI does say that it seeks to increase the percentage of net revenues from “smoke-free” products, now at 42%  to over two-thirds by 2030, with the ultimate goal of phasing out cigarettes completely.

“Leveraging our scientific expertise and technological capabilities, we are also committed to developing new products in the wellness and healthcare space,” PMI states.

Perhaps, this is the “scientific research” Khachatryan refers to.

Philip Morris International has a branch in Armenia – Philip Morris Armenia (PMA) LLC.

According to the latter’s website, “ PMA has enriched the Armenian business culture with transparent business practices, inclusive and balanced work environment and a successful experience responding to the challenges of Armenian society.”

It seems corporate gobbledygook has no limits.