Protocol on UAE visa abolition for Armenian citizens to happen in very near future

On November 24, I delivered a speech on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan said on Facebook. “Warmly congratulating on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, I noted that I am following with the greatest enthusiasm the successes and achievements of the UAE in recent decades in a number of fields, and we look forward to the achievement of new heights by our friendly Emirates.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, more than three dozen important documents have been signed, and the basis for the agenda of expanded cooperation between the two governments has been laid. In recent years, the number of mutual visits from Armenia to the UAE and in the opposite direction has increased significantly. Both sides take an active part in various business meetings, conferences and exhibitions, there is constructive cooperation in international organizations. The United Arab Emirates is Armenia's first trade partner in the Middle East and North Africa region. the volume of bilateral trade between our countries records impressive figures year after year. In 2022, it amounted to 999.5 million US dollars according to the indicator "by exporting country", and according to the data of nine months of the current year, it was more than 1.1 billion US dollars. Emirati investments are becoming more and more noticeable in the economy of Armenia. Close cooperation is developing between the business circles of Armenia and the Emirates. From the point of view of the development of trade and economic relations, as well as the promotion of tourism, I would like to emphasize the importance of regular direct flights between Armenia and the UAE, the number of which reaches about 30 per week. In this context, I would like to state with pleasure that the protocol of cancellation of UAE visa for Armenian citizens is also in the process of ratification and will come into force in the very near future. Emphasizing the high level of Armenian-Emirati interaction, I consider it necessary to mention that our relations have great potential for development and I believe that by making joint efforts we will be able to further deepen and expand the existing comprehensive agenda between our countries for the benefit and welfare of our friendly peoples,” he wrote.