Armenia to relocate embassy from Geneva to Bern
At the same time, Armenia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva will continue its operations.
Since 2002, Armenia’s embassy in Switzerland has operated in Geneva, alongside the Permanent Mission to the UN Office and other international organizations. The same representative has concurrently been accredited as Armenia’s ambassador to Switzerland. However, given the distance between Bern and Geneva, as well as the specific features of the bilateral and multilateral agendas, the need has arisen to relocate the embassy to Bern, Factor.am reported.
Around 100 embassies accredited in Switzerland, including those of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Georgia, are based in the capital. According to the justification, relocating the embassy to Bern will enable more effective contacts with members of the diplomatic corps, intensify political dialogue and promote the development of bilateral cooperation.
Annual expenses related to the relocation are estimated at about $425,000. For the first year, an additional $75,000, is also planned for furniture and equipment purchases, as well as deposit and brokerage fees.
As a result of these changes, the 2026 state budget provided increasing expenditures under the relevant Foreign Ministry program by $506,000, and in subsequent years by $377,000.
This year, the Finance Ministry opposed the initiative to relocate the embassy from Geneva to Bern. According to the ministry’s assessment, it represents additional spending not provided in the 2026 state budget. The Finance Ministry proposed discussing the issue within the framework of the 2026 budget process, provided additional financial resources are available in the state budget. However, this proposal was not accepted by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry.
