The Armenian Foreign Ministry plans to spend approximately 1 million U.S. dollars on a broad program of events at the country’s diplomatic missions abroad to mark the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
According to a draft submitted by the Foreign Ministry, 51 Armenian diplomatic missions abroad will organize a variety of events as part of the anniversary celebrations. The program will include official receptions, concerts, exhibitions, book, photography and film presentations, as well as conferences and thematic discussions, Factor.am reported.
The events are expected to showcase Armenia’s history, cultural heritage, modern achievements, peace agenda, and the country’s tourism and investment potential. Special attention will also be given to Armenian cuisine, winemaking, and domestically produced goods.
According to the ministry’s calculations, the required funding will be provided through the reallocation of its internal budget resources. Specifically, it has proposed transferring 260 million drams from the “Protection of the Rights and Interests of Citizens of the Republic of Armenia” program to the “Operation of the Republic of Armenia’s Diplomatic Service Bodies Accredited in Foreign States and International Organizations” program.
The funds in question had originally been allocated to reimburse airfare expenses for Armenian citizens returning to the country because of military operations and the security situation in the Middle East. However, according to the Foreign Ministry, only about 140 million drams has been spent based on the applications actually submitted, leaving an unused balance within the program.
The remaining funds required for the anniversary events are also expected to be provided from the Foreign Ministry’s existing budget allocations.
