Armenia to introduce diplomatic offices in foreign service reform

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry has proposed amendments to the diplomatic service law that would introduce smaller “diplomatic offices” in countries where maintaining a full embassy is not practical, place a five-year limit on ambassadors’ postings, and update regulations on diplomats’ salaries and compensation.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan presented the bill to lawmakers on Monday.

“There are countries where, from a financial or other perspective, it is not considered appropriate to open a full embassy, but there is still a need for a diplomatic presence. In such cases, we propose establishing a diplomatic office, which would be overseen by the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia accredited in that country,” the minister said in parliament.

The bill also proposes revising the terms of office for ambassadors and permanent representatives.

Diplomatic representatives would serve a maximum of five years in a single post, after which they could be reassigned to another country or an international organization. However, the total duration of two consecutive postings would be capped at eight years.