The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has described Armenia as a ‘model of development and leadership’ during a visit by senior FIA sport and mobility officials to the country. Across three days, a series of engaging visits and high-level meetings showcased the fruitful results of Armenia’s ongoing mission to boost motor sport participation and make automotive mobility across the country safer, more affordable, and more sustainable.

Working in partnership with the Government of Armenia, The Automobile Federation of Armenia (FAA) has led the country’s recent progress which has included the adoption of the innovative FIA Affordable Cross Car project. The global project offers FIA Member Clubs (ASNs) free blueprints to manufacture low-cost cross cars using locally sourced materials and labour to stage accessible events at the entry point to close-road motor sport such as Rally or Rallycross.

Meetings with the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, as well as the Ministers of Economy, Infrastructure and High Tech-Industry, reflected the Armenian Government’s firm commitment to driving progress and forward momentum across both motor sport and mobility.

By working collaboratively, the Government and FAA are lowering barriers to participation and opening pathways for a new generation of motor sport competitors in Armenia and championing consumer choice and safer mobility.

During the visit, FIA Secretary General for Sport, Valerio Iachizzi, remarked how innovative and impressive it was to see cross-government support for growing grassroots motor sport and the economic, social and employment benefits this brings. He added that the embracing of motor sport at the heart of government is ‘a global inspiration and a proven model’ for other countries to follow.

A productive meeting with the Armenian Deputy Minister for Road & Infrastructure, Kristine Ghalechyan, focused on the shared ambition of the FIA and Armenian Government to deliver safer and more affordable mobility across the country. The Deputy Minister accepted an invitation to join the innovative FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme, which works to build capacity, learn side by side, and develop practical road safety projects with guidance from international experts. Concluding the visit, the FAA signified its commitment to continue its close and effective partnership with both the Armenian Government and the FIA with further commitments of support made to the FIA Road Safety and Driver Safety Indexes through private sector engagement.

 Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, said: “Our cooperation with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is highly important for the development of motorsport in Armenia. By strengthening this partnership, we can build sustainable programmes, raise standards, and support long-term progress for the sport and the broader automotive community.”

Valerio Iachizzi, FIA Secretary General for Sport, said: “This visit has been a fantastic opportunity to see the real-world results of The Automobile Federation of Armenia’s national and regional leadership. I’d like to thank the FAA and the Government of Armenia for their incredible partnership working which is building a lasting motor sport legacy for generations of Armenians to come.”

Arsen Manukyan, President of The Automobile Federation of Armenia, said: “It was an honour to welcome a senior delegation of FIA officials to Armenia to see first-hand how we are developing and growing motor sport across Armenia. With new initiatives such as the FIA’s Affordable Cross Car enabling new competitions and events across the country, we’re excited for the future of Armenian motor sport”

Aram Sargsyan, Vice President of The Automobile Federation of Armenia and FIA Region I COFO Vice Chair, said: “This FIA visit has been exceptionally productive for the Armenian Automobile Federation. Beyond the quality of the meetings, what stands out is the clarity of the FIA’s support and the strength of alignment on our priorities. We are grateful for the confidence shown in our club and fully committed to turning this momentum into concrete outcomes for Armenia and beyond.”

During the visit, the FIA delegation met with:

• Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport
• Deputy Minister Hasmik Avagyan, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport
• Deputy Minister Gevorg Mantashyan, Ministry of High-Tech Technology
• Deputy Minister Kristine Ghalechyan, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure
• Minister Gevorg Papoayn, Ministry of Economy
• Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of Tourism Committee
• Mr Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

• Omar Sharif, FIA Sport Communications Manager: osharif@fia.com
• George Mitchell, FIA Mobility Communications Officer: gmitchell@fia.com

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally.  It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.