Canada names new ambassador to Armenia

Canada has named Andrew Turner, a career diplomat, as its next Ambassador to Armenia.

Turner will be posted to Yerevan as soon as next month, according to The Canadian Press.

Andrew Turner joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2002. At Headquarters, he has served in the Cabinet and Parliamentary Relations Division, Eastern and Southern Africa Relations Division, Muslim Communities Working Group and Middle East Relations Division. Overseas, he served at missions in Saudi Arabia (2004 to 2007), Syria (2011 to 2012), Afghanistan (2013 to 2015), Pakistan (2015 to 2017) and Iraq (2017 to 2019).

He most recently served as deputy director and director of the Eastern Europe and Eurasia Division.

Canada is due to open an embassy in Yerevan.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly is expected to attend the opening of the embassy.