Moscow honours Armenian ambassador Gurgen Arsenyan as his succession remains pending
- Published
- Place
- Moscow, Russia
- Event date
- Past event —
Summary
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin received Armenia’s ambassador to Russia, Gurgen Arsenyan, in Moscow on 3 November. According to the Russian ministry, the two diplomats discussed a number of bilateral and regional issues. After the meeting, Gurgen Arsenyan was awarded the ministry’s “For Interaction” badge, recognising his contribution to developing and strengthening Russian-Armenian relations. A former MP of the ruling Civil Contract party, he has been posted in Moscow since August 2024. The award comes two days after Moscow denied rejecting the agrément of Samvel Mkrtchyan, described by Armenian media as his successor. Yerevan has still not officially announced the name of the next ambassador.
Analysis
Such awards often mark the end of a diplomatic posting, even though neither capital has made Gurgen Arsenyan’s departure official. The gesture comes at a time when relations between Yerevan and Moscow remain tense, against the backdrop of Armenia’s rapprochement with the European Union. By honouring the ambassador, Russian diplomacy is signalling that it wants to keep a courteous channel open with Armenia, days after denying any blockage over his successor.
Possible consequences
Until a successor is appointed, Gurgen Arsenyan remains the Russian authorities’ counterpart. A new ambassador still has to be appointed by decree of Armenia’s president.
