The Government of the RA approved Agreements on the Elimination of Diplomatic Visas with Benin and Rwanda
On September 17, the Government of the RA approved proposals for the signing of the agreements on the elimination of entry visa requirements for individuals holding diplomatic and official passports with the Republic of Benin and the Republic of Rwanda. The instruction to organize the signing of the international agreements was given to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia.
According to the justifications of the Government of the RA, the conclusion of the agreements will contribute to the expansion and deepening of political dialogue with both African countries. They will also facilitate the organization and implementation of official and working mutual visits at various levels, ensuring the development of bilateral relations and the formation of new areas of cooperation.
The signing of the agreement with Benin stems from the “Foreign Policy” chapter of the 2026-2031 program of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, approved by the appendix to the Government Decision N 1236-A on August 20, 2026. It states: “Efforts will be made to develop relations with the countries of the Middle East and Africa and to establish new relations.”
The agreement with Rwanda is based on sub-chapter 1.1 (Foreign Policy) of the 2021-2026 program of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, approved by the appendix to the Government Decision N 1363-A on August 18, 2021. It states: “Steps will be taken to develop cooperation with American, Asian, African, and Pacific states.”
Benin
Diplomatic relations were established on August 2, 2007. The Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Akambi André Okounlola-Biaou (with residence in Moscow), presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Armenia on June 6, 2022.
There have been three visits from Benin to Armenia:
- May 2024: Romuald Wadagni, Minister of Economy and Finance, in the framework of the EBRD 33rd Annual Meeting and Business Forum.
- October 2018: President Patrice Talon, in the framework of the 17th Summit of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
- October 2015: Saliou Akadiri, Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, in the framework of the 31st session of the Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
The legal framework consists of one active document: the Protocol on the Establishment of a Mechanism for Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Benin.
Rwanda
Diplomatic relations were established on March 29, 2004. On November 11, 2024, Sahak Sargsyan was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Rwanda (with residence in Addis Ababa).
Visits:
- To Rwanda (April 2019): Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.
- To Armenia (July 2022): Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta.
- To Armenia (August 2018): Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo.
Trade
In the first half of 2026, goods worth 77 thousand dollars were imported from Benin, compared to 3 thousand in the previous year. Goods worth 13 thousand dollars were imported from Rwanda, compared to 18 thousand. There was no export from Armenia to either country. Data according to the State Revenue Committee of the RA. During the same period, Armenia’s total trade turnover amounted to 9.57 billion dollars, according to the Statistical Committee of the RA.
