The UK will appoint a new ambassador to Armenia next year, 168.am website reported on Thursday after receiving a response to the inquiry sent to the British embassy in Yerevan to clarify the matter.

The embassy insisted there are no changes in the relations between Armenia and the UK that are described as “excellent”.

“There is no change in the status of relations between the UK and Armenia. The UK has an excellent relationship with the Government of Armenia. We have enjoyed over 25 years of close cooperation and look forward to strengthening the ties between our countries for years to come,” the embassy said.

“A new Ambassador will be substantively appointed next year. The appointment of senior diplomat Mr David Moran as Chargé d'Affaires with the personal rank of Ambassador in the interim is an indication of the importance the UK places on relations with Armenia.”

In a video address published earlier this month UK Chargé d’Affaires in Armenia David Moran said he would be “leading our energetic Embassy team’s work to deepen our ongoing friendship and partnership between the UK and Armenia”. Despite the previous announcement that Mr Alan Gogbashian will take the role of the ambassador, in October the embassy issued a statement saying he “will no longer be taking up the role of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Yerevan for operational reasons.”

Spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Anna Naghdalyan told the website that there are no problematic issues in bilateral relations between the countries, and active cooperation is strengthening in many areas.