The delegation of the Republic of Armenia is in Manchester to participate in the 12th Plenary Session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES-12). As part of the visit, a number of bilateral meetings have been planned to ensure effective dialogue with international partners and coordinate sectoral priorities.
Today, Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of the RA, met with Emma Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The meeting focused on preparatory work for COP17 and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation, given that Armenia will host COP17 in 2026.
Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland also attended the meeting.
During the discussion, the parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring the successful organization of COP17 and achieving substantive outcomes. Ms. Reynolds confirmed the United Kingdom’s readiness to support COP17, particularly through experience sharing and technical assistance.
The discussion highlighted the upcoming work on the Cali Fund initiative, including ways to strengthen Armenia’s capacity through thematic workshops, guidance on COP16 outcomes, next steps, and the involvement of the private sector. Armenia joined the Friends of the Cali Fund group in December 2025.
The parties also addressed priority topics related to biodiversity conservation and the valuation of ecosystem services, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific assessment results into policy and program decisions.
Minister Matevosyan expressed gratitude to Ms. Reynolds for the constructive and practical discussion, noting that this dialogue and strengthened partnership will contribute to the success of COP17, advance the biodiversity agenda, and enhance the effectiveness of international cooperation.