In 2024, the Republic of Armenia continued to develop relations with the countries of the Middle East.
Following the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, the first official visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Riyadh took place. During the annual press conference, Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that “quite interesting developments are anticipated, and we continue working in this direction”.
The Foreign Minister also paid an official visit to Qatar, during which, among other topics, detailed discussions were held on regional connectivity, including the “Crossroads of Peace”project.
During his visits, Minister Mirzoyan gave interviews to leading local media, touching upon the dynamics and prospects of bilateral relations between the Republic of Armenia and countries of the Middle East, as well as regional developments.
Minister Mirzoyan also paid a working visit to Bahrain, where the Republic of Armenia for the second time participated in the “Manama Dialogue” forum.
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An interesting and promising dialogue has also developed with the United Arab Emirates. Beyond the political agenda, it is worth noting that on February 1, 2024, the protocol on the mutual abolition of visa requirements for citizens of Armenia and the UAE entered into force. This significantly boosted tourism and people to people contacts: compared to 2023, visits from Armenia to the UAE increased by 58%.
Armenia continued efforts towards deepening cooperation with the countries of the Gulf region.
In June, the Republic of Armenia recognized the State of Palestine, followed by the signing of the communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations by Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and the Prime Minister of the State of Palestine in New York.
During the annual press conference, Minister Mirzoyan also touched upon the situation in Syria: Following the recent developments in Syria, as you may have followed in the media, we had a very brief absence from the country, initially, our Consulate General in Aleppo, and later the staff of our Embassy in Damascus, had to temporarily leave Damascus and, respectively, Aleppo. Afterwards, they resumed their work in the host country. We have established relations with the new administration and the new authorities, and we will continue our efforts.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia