The German Marshall Fund of the United States organized a study tour to Yerevan, Armenia on March 10-13, 2015 for a group of select European and U.S. policy makers, experts, and journalists. The study tour was organized with the support of the Robert Bosch Stiftung as part of both organizations’ efforts to facilitate understanding between the United States, EU, and the South Caucasus and increase awareness of the issues facing these countries.

While in Yerevan, the delegation met with a range of officials and representatives of the business community, such as President Serzh Sargsyan; Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Hovakimian, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Davit Tonoyan, first deputy minister, Ministry of Defense; Tigran Jrbashyan, president, American Chamber of Commerce; Mark Davis, head of office, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The delegation also met with representatives of the diplomatic corps, media, and civil society.

During the study visit, the delegation had the opportunity to be briefed on the current developments in Armenia, such as its efforts to promote democratic reforms and rule of law. The members of the delegation also learned about Armenia’s foreign policy and defense priorities, with a particular focus on relations with EU, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, as well as long term economic development projects.