Wendy Morton, on a two-day visit, will arrive in Yerevan

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.