Armenian President Armen Sarkissian paid a working visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, October 26, in what his office described as a "turning point" in Armenia's international relations. Sarkissian himself said on social media the trip was "unprecedented".

"October 26, 2021 will mark the special page in the history of Armenian-Arab relations, particularly those between the Republic of Armenia and Saudi Arabia," the President's staff said in a statement.

"In the absence of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Saudi Arabia since Armenia's independence, when no official from Armenia had ever visited that country, the President of Armenia took a historic step, visiting for the first time a country with a unique role and significance in the Arab and Islamic world."

At the airport of the capital of Saudi Arabia, Sarkissian was greeted by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Adel al-Jubeir. According to the official protocol, the state flag of the Republic of Armenia was hoisted at the airport.

There is no official diplomatic relations between Armenia and Saudi Arabia, although the relationship between the two countries has witnessed significant warming since the 2010s.