Canada's government has announced the ambassador who is to helm a new embassy in Armenia, The Canadian Press reported.

Andrew Turner, a career diplomat, will be posted to Armenian capital Yerevan as soon as next month, as the Liberals try to form closer ties with countries moving away from Russia's orbit.

Turner's background primarily involves postings in the Middle East, though he has also helped shape Ottawa's response to tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Turner served in Canadian diplomatic missions to Saudi Arabia (2004-2007), Syria (2011-2012), Afghanistan (2013-2015), Pakistan (2015-2017) and Iraq (2017-2019). Most recently, he served as deputy director and director for Eastern Europe and Eurasia.