The Armenian Foreign Minister presented the country`s foreign policy priorities for 2027

ArmInfo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia will prioritize the development of peace and cooperation around Armenia in 2027. This was announced on November 5 at the hearings of the National Assembly committees on next year's draft state budget by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ararat Mirzoyan.

According to him, the most important goal of the Ministry is strengthening the sovereignty of the Armenian state. For this reason, the main focus will be on developing relations with four neighboring states. The Ministry's main objective will be the signing and ratification of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan as soon as possible. It is planned to hold events aimed at strengthening cooperation with Baku in various areas, which will provide additional impetus for the signing of a peace agreement. Mirzoyan cited mutual trade and numerous contacts at various levels, ranging from border demilitarization and demarcation to meetings with civil society representatives, as among these areas.

Speaking about unblocking transport and economic ties in the region, the minister also pointed to steps being taken with Turkey, with whom the dialogue is quite active. Moreover, quite effective cooperation is observed in a number of areas, for example, the student scholarship program, the joint restoration of the historic Ani Bridge, and the holding of business forums. A similar business forum was recently held in Kars, and a similar event will be held in Armenia in early 2027. Mirzoyan noted the enormous interest in the first business forum, expressing confidence that similar interest will be shown in the second forum. The minister recalled that while in the recent past, trade with Turkey was conducted through third countries, now it is happening directly. Mirzoyan also noted that developing ties with Ankara could lead to the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border and the establishment of diplomatic relations. The RA Foreign Minister also addressed issues related to Iran, expressing hope for a swift achievement of peace in the region.

The process of expanding cooperation with Georgia will also continue.

Regarding the TRIPP project, Mirzoyan noted that it will be part of a broader project to unblock transport communications in the region. The Foreign Minister recalled that this involves the construction of a railway, power lines, and fiber-optic cables.

Mirzoyan also noted that 2026 proved to be a very productive year for relations between Armenia and the United States. Documents related to the TRIPP project and other documents aimed at enhancing the level of strategic partnership were ratified.

The Foreign Minister also pointed to the integration processes with the European Union. He particularly noted the highly favorable EU resolution, which gives the green light to the export of Armenian products to the European market. Next year, work with the EU will continue to bring Armenian products and legislation into line with European standards. The ultimate goal of this process should be Armenia's sustainable development. The Foreign Minister noted that next year, the ministry will focus on its new mandate – international trade. Significant results are already evident in this area, which will become even more tangible in 2027. Mirzoyan noted that Armenia currently has 47 embassies, 45 of which are abroad and two in Yerevan. Ambassadors, including concurrent ambassadors, represent the country in 115 countries.

It should be noted that in 2027, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is scheduled to receive 22.5 billion drams from the state budget. This amount exceeds the allocations planned for 2026 by 3.3 billion drams. 480 million drams will be allocated for capital expenditures. Budget allocations will be used to implement five programs.

According to the draft state budget, state treasury revenues will amount to 3 trillion 603.8 billion drams, including taxes and state duties of approximately 3 trillion 462.7 billion drams, subsidies of 14.2 billion drams, and other revenues of 126.9 billion drams. Revenue growth compared to the expected level of 2026 will amount to approximately 11.9%. Expenditures will be at the level of 4 trillion 72 billion drams. The budget deficit will amount to 468.2 billion drams, or about $1.3 billion. The deficit is planned to be financed both from domestic sources (187.5 billion drams) and from external sources (about 280.7 billion drams). Armenia's nominal GDP in 2027 is expected to be at the level of 13.614 trillion drams against 12.465 trillion drams in 2026.