The 2011 draft budget provides for a total of 9.4 billion AMD (U.S. $25 million) for the Armenian foreign office – 696 million AMD (U.S. $1.9 million) more than this year.

The draft budget of Armenia’s diplomatic missions is 6.5 billion AMD (about U.S. $18 million) – 274 million AMD (about U.S. $750,000) more than this year. Military attaches will receive 71 million AMD (U.S. $195,000) more than this year. The staff of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs will receive 163 million AMD (U.S. $440,000) more. A total of 152 million AMD (about U.S. $400,000) are budgeted for the Protocol Service, 1.162 billion AMD (U.S. $3.2 million) for the foreign office’s share in Armenia’s membership fees in international institutions. A total of 101 million AMD are budgeted as the RA Parliament’s share in the membership fees in international institutions, and 29.8 million AMD (U.S. $82,000) as that of the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Security. A total of 27 million AMD (U.S. $74,000) are budgeted for propaganda, which is, according to Minister Nalbandian, a great achievement.

He also pointed out that the Armenian budget will receive an additional U.S. $5 million from payments for entry visas though the rate has been reduced from U.S. $35 down to U.S. $7. “That is we expect the same amount as this year due to the number of visas,” Nalbandian said.

As to whether Armenia plans to open its consulates in Javakhk (Georgia) and Siberia (Russia), the Minister said it requires financing. The opening of an Armenian consulate in Javakhk has never been considered, but it can if it is advisable. The 2011 draft budget does not provide for financing of Armenian schools in Javakhk. 

The Armenian state budget will also be replenished with €117 million as foreign investments, with grants being €52 million, and credits €65 million.