France, Russia continue talks on consulates in Syunik

PanARMENIAN.Net - Discussions on the establishment of French and Russian consulates in Armenia’s Syunik region are ongoing, including the specifics of their representation in the selected cities, according to Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CivilNet reports.

France has announced plans to open an honorary consulate in the city of Goris, not a general consulate. The French Embassy in Armenia stated that the consulate is expected to open "soon."

Goris was selected by France due to its strong cultural ties with the Francophone world. The city is regarded as one of Armenia’s most French-speaking towns and has hosted a French cultural center since 2006, playing a key role in promoting the French language and culture locally, including in schools.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced in Yerevan on May 21 that preparatory steps have been taken to establish a Russian consulate in Kapan. Moscow began publicly discussing this initiative in May 2023.

Iran previously established a consulate in Kapan in 2022, a move linked to rising threats from Azerbaijan against Armenia’s sovereign territory. Tehran responded strongly, condemning such threats. Following the end of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and the signing of the November 9 agreement, Azerbaijan has been demanding a corridor through Armenia to connect to its exclave Nakhichevan.

A consulate typically provides services outside a capital city, such as passport renewals or legal aid. However, in certain contexts, setting up a consulate may carry symbolic and political significance, reflecting diplomatic positioning beyond mere administrative function.