Press release

Minister for Europe supports Armenia’s progress towards parliamentary democracy

During his first visit to Armenia, Sir Alan Duncan will celebrate UK and Armenian co-operation on their reform programme.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Sir Alan Duncan KCMG
• Published: 27 September 2017
• Last updated: 5 October 2017 — See all updates

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

The Minister will meet President Sargsyan, Prime Minister Karapetyan, Speaker of the National Assembly Parliament Babloyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nalbandian and other senior officials. Sir Alan will hear firsthand about Armenia’s political and economic reform programme and will reiterate UK support for the ambitious reforms to enhance the resilience and prosperity of the country.

The UK has been supporting the government’s reform programme, including helping the National Assembly prepare for its greater oversight powers, supporting the Ministry of Justice implement an anti-corruption strategy and working with the Ministry of Defence to embed European Human Rights standards in the Armenian armed forces.

In a speech to the National Assembly of Armenia, the Minister will champion the important role of parliament in a democracy, and in turn the role of parliamentarians in representing the people who elect them.

Ahead of his visit, the Minister of Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, said:

My first visit to Armenia is an opportunity for me to celebrate the UK’s support to Armenia in its consolidation as a democratic, resilient and prosperous country. Over the 25 years since we established diplomatic relations, co-operation has flourished across a range of spheres – including political, commercial, educational and cultural.

We believe there are further opportunities to deepen our co-operation. I look forward to meeting President Sargsyan, Prime Minister Karapetyan, Foreign Minister Nalbandian and other high level officials in Armenia. I will outline the UK’s readiness to support Armenia’s efforts to embed democracy, good governance and human rights and explore ways to boost trade between our 2 countries.

Sir Alan Duncan’s overview of his visit

Following his visit, the Minister gave an update on how the UK is supporting Armenia’s constitutional progress:

Sir Alan Duncan’s visit

Further information

• Follow Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan on Twitter @AlanDuncanMP and Facebook
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Published 27 September 2017
Last updated 5 October 2017 + show all updates

1. 5 October 2017

   Added translation

2. 27 September 2017

   First published.