The Minister of Internal Affairs participated in the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Budapest Process in Hungary

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. On November 12, the delegation led by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Vahe Ghazaryan, participated in the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Budapest Process.

The conference was attended by delegations from 50 countries, as well as representatives of international organizations operating in the field.

Vahe Ghazaryan greeted the participants of the conference on behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and himself personally and thanked the organizers for hosting the conference at a high level, as well as the International Center for Migration Policy Development for effectively carrying out the functions assigned to the Secretariat of the Budapest Process.

In his speech the Minister of Internal Affairs emphasized that over the past three decades the Budapest Process has become one of the most recognized and influential platforms for dialogue on migration issues.

The conference was preceded by a meeting of high-ranking officials, in which participated the head of the Migration and Citizenship Service, Armen Ghazaryan.

Below we present the full speech of the Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan․

“Dear Chairman, dear participants and partners of the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Budapest Process,

On behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and myself personally, I welcome all participants of the 7th Ministerial Conference of the Budapest Process.

Over the past three decades, the Budapest Process has become one of the most recognized and influential platforms for dialogue on migration issues.
The dialogue established within the framework of the process has allowed for the development of partnership between countries, expanding cooperation both geographically and thematically. By encouraging a balanced approach and considering all aspects of migration, the dialogue has consistently supported regular, safe, legal and responsible migration.

Armenia has regularly participated in numerous events organized within the framework of the Budapest Process, such as high-level meetings, workshops, expert seminars, and regional conferences.

Overall, Armenia’s involvement in the Budapest Process has contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of migration management.

Through its participation in the process, Armenia seeks to address key issues such as the integration of migrants, combating irregular migration and human trafficking, challenges related to international protection and internally displaced persons, improving border management, and more. By collaborating with participating states and international organizations, Armenia aims to improve the management of its own migration system and respond effectively to migration challenges.

Dear colleagues,

I would like to inform you that within the framework of the policy pursued by the Government of Armenia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was established by law on December 30th, 2022, and serves as the driving force for the development of sectoral policies. The newly formed Ministry includes the Police, the Rescue Service and the Migration and Citizenship Service.

I would like to emphasize that both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Migration and Citizenship Service operate based on the principles of civil service. The institutional reforms, which began in the field of migration with the formation of the Migration and Citizenship Service, continue in Armenia.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia is in the active phase of the reforms, and in that sense we value the cooperation with international partners and the multifaceted support they provide to the ongoing processes. All these joint efforts have their significant impact on achieving continuous improvements in the field, one of which is the visa dialogue between Armenia and the European Union, launched on September 9, 2024.

Dear chairman, dear colleagues.

Armenia’s participation in the Budapest Process has led to number of achievements.

1. In terms of capacity building, Armenia has gained access to training and educational resources that enhance institutional capabilities in migration management, improving the ability to effectively manage migration flows.

2. In terms of regional cooperation, the process promotes interaction with neighboring countries, allowing Armenia to engage in dialogue and share best practices on migration and asylum issues.

3. For the policy development there has been an improved understanding of international standards and frameworks, which has helped in the formulation and refinement of Armenia’s own migration policy.

4. Connections with various stakeholders have been facilitated, including governments, NGOs and international organizations, creating opportunities for partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

5. In addition to the abovementioned, the platform has helped address specific migration challenges, such as human trafficking, issues of displaced populations, and migrant integration through shared experience and solutions.

Concerning the Ministerial Declaration and its implementation action plan in 2025-2030, I would like to note that the six priorities correspond to the policy of the Republic of Armenia, the current reform agenda, as well as the activities carried out in the field.
Concluding my speech, I would like to thank the organizers for hosting the conference at a high level, as well as the International Center for Migration Policy Development for effectively carrying out the functions assigned to the Budapest Process Secretariat.

Thank you for your attention.”

At the 7th Ministerial Conference, a new declaration and an action plan for its implementation for 2025-2030 were adopted. The action plan will contribute to the expansion of cooperation between participating States and observers of the dialogue in the field of migration policy and migration management.
Within the framework of the Budapest Process, agreements have been reached with the interested countries and organizations.