Armenia may tap Deputy FM Safaryan as new ambassador to Russia

Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan is positioned to become the country's next ambassador to the Russian Federation, local newspaper Past reported.

Safaryan, who oversees Eurasian affairs and ties within the foreign ministry, would replace incumbent envoy Gurgen Arsenyan. Sources indicate that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan decided to recall Arsenyan over dissatisfaction with diplomatic performance amid strained bilateral ties with Moscow. Official government agencies have not yet issued public confirmation. 

Arsenyan, a former parliamentarian from the ruling Civil Contract party, has led Armenia's diplomatic mission in Moscow since August 2024.