Visa issuance process  for Armenian citizens by EU member states is a  concern - Mirzoyan

ArmInfo.  Armenia should pay more attention to issues related to expanding control functions at the country's checkpoints and enhancing the capabilities of Armenian border guards. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made this statement on June 5 during the hearings of the RA National Assembly committees  regarding the implementation of the country's 2024 state budget. He was responding to a question posed by  Artur Khachatryan,  MP from the opposition faction "Armenia". The deputy, in particular, raised the issue of the shameful situation regarding the issuance of Schengen visas at the embassies of EU countries in the RA, especially given the ongoing negotiations on visa regime liberalization between  the RA and the EU. 

According to Mirzoyan, the visa issuance process for Armenian  citizens by EU member states is a concern.  The authorities  consistently highlight this issue fact during meetings with EU  representatives, including those accredited in the country. "We are provided with reasons - from technical to financial, but we must understand that various situations arise in this process, including a disrespectful attitude towards RA citizens. Although in most cases everything happens within the framework of established procedures,  the embassies recognize the existence of a problem," the head of the MFA said. In his opinion, the best solution to the situation could be  the quickest and most effective completion of the visa liberalization process. "And it is no secret that Armenia has a role to play, as not all solutions are in the EU field. Starting implementing a proper system of biometric passports to addressing many other issues," Ararat Mirzoyan said.