ArmInfo. UK FCDO Minister for European Neighbourhood and the Americas Wendy Morton will make her first visit to Armenia on Tuesday 16 February, visiting the historic capital city of Yerevan and regional centre of Vanadzor, as reported by the press service of the British Embassy in Armenia
During this two day visit, the Minister will officially open the new British Embassy office in Yerevan with Deputy Foreign Minister Adonts, as a symbol of the strengthening links between the people of the UK and Armenia.
The Minister will also welcome a new partnership between the UK, UNICEF and the UN Development Programme, which will support the economic and social resilience of communities in Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik and Syunik provinces who have been particularly affected by COVID-19 and the recent conflict. The UK hopes to develop this partnership to identify how to enhance stability in these remote regions over the longer term.
Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Minister Wendy Morton said: "The UK is committed to our enduring friendship with Armenia. I look forward to meeting Foreign Minister Ayvazyan and President Sarkissian to discuss the many opportunities for our countries to work together to tackle global challenges such as climate change and Covid-19.
"The UK stands ready to help Armenia build back greener following the conflict and the effects of Covid-19. We welcome Armenia's ambitious commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and look forward to helping Armenia realise its leadership potential in tackling climate change ahead of COP26."
The UK has been pleased to support Armenia's impressive progress in democratic and economic reforms and combatting corruption in recent years. During the visit, Morton will discuss ways of interaction between the two countries to achieve further progress, including promoting the development of small business and support of the National Assembly of Armenia as a more modern and transparent entity.
Morton is scheduled to meet with RA Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan to reaffirm United Kingdom support the work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to establish genuine peace in Nagorno-Karabakh. "Armenia has the opportunity to establish lasting peace in the Caucasus region, including by increasing the participation of women in peace initiatives. Increasing the participation of women in politics in the business world is vital to Armenia's development and prosperity. The minister will visit the Vanadzor Technology Center to meet with women entrepreneurs in business and innovation supported by the United Kingdom through the Good Governance Fund, "the Embassy said.
Note that a week earlier, Morton visited Azerbaijan, where she took part in joint consultations between foreign ministries.