Armenia has achieved substantial progress toward developing democratic institutions during the recent years. This progress is particularly tangible in relation to freedom of press, where according to Reporters without Borders, Armenia ranked 77th last year, leaving behind almost all the countries in CIS and the region. Armenia has also made substantial progress in implementing the key recommendations for launching negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. 

The Arab Spring escalated dramatically in Syria. Unfortunately, there is no lack of evidence to support this argument: thousands of victims, ruined towns and villages, the weakened central government, chaos, instability, international terrorism, drastic rise of the crime level, abductions and hostages, the rise of extremism, and unprecedented international pressure and sanctions imposed on Syria. External intervention transformed an internal conflict into an international one.

Armenian-Turkish relations have essential importance not only for Armenia, but also for the region of South Caucasus and beyond. The failure of the attempt to establish an Armenia-Turkey dialogue stagnated the process even further. The window of opportunity closed and the subsequent developments in the larger MENA region dramatically shifted the focus and priorities of the players.

In recent years the service sector of Armenian economy has recorded growth: the volume of services at current prices increased 1.5 times in 2011, in comparison with 2007. This growth refers to services provided in all areas, from education and health to tourism and recruitment. The average volume of services per resident increased for around 20% in 2011, compared with 2009.