The Armenian Embassy in Russia is considered one of the most respected foreign diplomatic missions, primarily because the countries are the closest allies, and the security of the Transcaucasian republic is ensured, including by Russian military personnel. Bilateral relations between the peoples of these countries date back several centuries, but they gained their modern form after Armenia gained independence from the USSR.
A Brief History of Bilateral Relations
Throughout the history of the formation of Russian statehood, the influence of the ancient Armenian people has been noticeable. In the scientific literature, there is a very well-reasoned opinion that among the architects of the most ancient Russian churches there were masters from Armenia, who had a significant impact on the architecture of Russia.
In the XlX century, the Russian Empire became the home of numerous Armenian refugees from Western Armenia, which was ruled by the Ottoman Empire. Armenians who were persecuted in an Islamic state found a new home in Russian lands and even received material support from local authorities.
During the Soviet period, the Armenian SSR was one of the most dynamically developing republics of the Union. Book publishing, science and literature flourished in it. Many Armenian artists have made an invaluable contribution to the development of pictorial and architectural modernism.
The historical building of the Armenian Embassy in Russia
The diplomatic mission of Armenia is located in a historic building built for the Lazarev Institute in 1816. The building, which is now occupied by the Armenian Embassy in Russia, once belonged to one of the best educational institutions in Moscow, built specifically for the children of the Armenian diaspora.
The Lazarevs were an influential noble family, descended from the ancient Armenian nobility. Some of their ancestors reached a high position at the court of the Persian Shah, but later moved to Russia, where they also entered the civil service and made a significant contribution to cultural and state building.
The institute founded by them several times during its existence changed its name and in 1927 was merged with the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies. Thus, a noticeable continuity is observed in the belonging of this building to the Armenian culture.
Embassy Functions
As the official diplomatic mission of Armenia, the embassy of this republic in Moscow is engaged in all aspects of bilateral international relations. At the Armenian Embassy in Russia, there are political, economic, protocol, cultural and consular departments, as well as a humanitarian relations department. The diplomatic mission also has its own press service.
Currently, about 250 agreements and treaties have been signed between the two states, including important ones such as the agreement on Russian military bases located on the territory of Armenia, in the cities of Yerevan and Gyumri.
Visa Issues
Also important for tourists is an agreement on mutual visa-free entry for citizens of the two countries. To cross the border of Armenia, a Russian will only need a passport, and the maximum stay in the country should not exceed one hundred eighty days.
Thus, if they apply to the consulate, then, most likely, not for a visa. The consular department of the embassy is engaged in the legalization of documents, the issuance of certificates and acts, helps Armenians who wish to return to their homeland.
Diplomatic Mission Address
The Basmanny district, where the Armenian Embassy in Russia is located, is considered one of the most prestigious in the Russian capital.There are parks, gardens, cultural institutions. The pearl of the area are Chistye Prudy.
The exact address of the Armenian Embassy in Russia looks like this: 101990, Russia, Moscow, Armenian Lane, 2. The historical building of the former Lazarev Institute is located at this address.
The consular department is open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 12.00. However, the schedule should be clarified, since due to state and religious holidays, substantial changes can be made to the work schedule.
You can also call the Armenian Embassy in Russia. The consular department receives calls from 15.00 to 17.00. The department provides information on the exact set of documents required for a particular procedure.