On June 10 of this year, the Institute of Oriental Studies hosted David Karapetyan, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, and Tatevik Mkrtchyan, Second Secretary of the Middle East and Africa Department of the RA MFA. During the visit, the prospects for strengthening scientific and diplomatic cooperation were discussed.

The meeting focused on the need to deepen mutual collaboration, develop existing ties, and address the training and retraining of specialists.

In her remarks, Gohar Iskandaryan, Director of the Institute, referred to the effective cooperation established with the MFA, highlighting the good tradition of organizing joint events, the unique contribution of the Institute of Oriental Studies to scientific diplomacy, and its willingness to support the Ministry in preparing political analyses. She also noted the potential involvement of the Institute’s academic resources in the Diplomatic School as an effective means of utilizing the complementary strengths of science and diplomacy.

David Karapetyan emphasized the importance of direct and interconnected cooperation between the MFA and research institutions, highlighting the importance of preparing policy papers and the exchange of professional knowledge and expertise. It was noted that such collaboration could foster mutually beneficial and goal-oriented partnerships between the Ministry and academic institutions.

Both sides underlined the necessity of establishing permanent mechanisms of cooperation aimed at implementing joint programs, conducting mutual visits of experts, and exchanging analytical materials.

Secretary General Karapetyan stressed the importance of developing a clear mechanism of interaction in order to strengthen and broaden cooperation with research institutions.

Director Gohar Iskandaryan presented the recent positive developments at the Institute, particularly emphasizing the significance of the articles published by the Institute’s researchers in international scientific databases, as well as the complete renovation and refurbishment of the Iranian, Turkish, and International Relations departments, which significantly contribute to the effectiveness of scientific activity and create favorable conditions for new collaborations.

Also participating in the meeting was Arax Pashayan, Head of the Department of International Relations of the Institute, who emphasized the importance of holding such meetings regularly and spoke about the value of scientific diplomacy. She stressed the need to expand international cooperation and establish smooth and continuous collaboration with scientific and analytical institutions from various countries. According to Pashayan, the dynamic development of modern international relations requires institutional strengthening of cooperation, to which the active involvement of young orientalists in international scientific platforms can contribute.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to clarify future practical steps for joint initiatives. During the visit, a tour of the Institute of Oriental Studies was also conducted.