Armenia Welcomes Apple Co-Founder Wozniak

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc., arrived in Armenia last week to consult the country on various issues, including investing in education and youth, according to Asbarez.com.

Wozniak’s visit included meeting with various government officials as well as conducting several interviews. During his visit on Thursday, Wozniak was awarded a certificate from Synopsis Armenia for his efforts in “promoting innovation in the spirit of entrepreneurship around the world and in Armenia, according to ArmRadio. His visit also included meeting with President Serzh Sarkisian on Friday. The president honored Wozniak with the “Global Award” for “Outstanding Contribution to Humanity through IT 2011.” In addition to meeting with the president, Wozniak met with other government officials, including Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan as well as university officials and students.

Wozniak has long been a proponent of education. In an interview with Azatutyun.am, he said that good education was important “for steady growth of the hi-tech industry.” He added, “In the age of the Internet it’s very easy for anyone anywhere in the world to come up with ideas that could catch on massively, instantly. It’s rare but it’s usually from young people because they aren’t so set in knowing how to do things already.”