Armenia to establish new diplomatic offices as part of foreign service reform

(Horizon Media / YEREVAN) – Armenia’s Foreign Ministry has introduced proposed amendments to the country’s diplomatic service law that would allow the establishment of smaller diplomatic offices in states where opening and maintaining a full embassy is deemed impractical.

Presenting the draft legislation in parliament on Monday, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the initiative aims to ensure that Armenia maintains a diplomatic presence in certain countries while reducing financial and administrative burdens.

Under the proposed changes, such diplomatic offices would operate under the supervision of an Armenian ambassador accredited to the respective country from another posting.

The bill also includes changes to the regulations governing diplomatic appointments. Ambassadors and permanent representatives would be limited to a maximum of five years in a single posting, after which they could be reassigned to another country or international organization. Two consecutive foreign postings, however, could not exceed a total of eight years.

The proposed amendments additionally seek to revise provisions related to diplomats’ salaries and compensation.