About Us

The Conservative Friends of Armenia is a volunteer-run nonprofit organisation that was established in 2025.

We promote the Conservative Party across the UK, and work to strengthen the bond between the UK, the Republic of Armenia and the British Armenian community.


We have a series of exciting events and initiatives coming up.

  • Parliamentary delegations to Armenia

  • Conservative Party Conference Attendance

  • Receptions and discussion forums on political, social and economic issues with leading politicians, policymakers and academics

Who We Are

Tim Loughton

Tim is a former Conservative Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham who has chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Armenia. A long-time advocate of Armenian causes Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Conservative Friends of Armenia.

Honorary President

Anoushka Kurkjian

Anoushka Kurkjian graduated from St Antony's College in 2002 with an M.Phil in Middle East Studies. She received a British Academy scholarship for her research on Syria. Anoushka started her career in Abu Dhabi at a think-tank affiliated with the Crown-Prince's office. Her work focused on the regional implications of the US-led war in Iraq and was part of a team hosting high-level delegations to the UAE. She has since advised both public and private sector clients on political risk in the Middle East. She regularly provides analysis for news channels. 

Chair

Tania’s background is in Public Relations, firstly in-house and then as a Senior Account Manager in a large PR agency. She is a committed parish councillor, school coordinator and involved in local causes. Tania has always been proud of her Armenian heritage having visited the country multiple times. Alongside these commitments she enjoys the arts, racket sports, skiing and being amongst friends, both old and new.

Secretary

Tania Arthur

Marianna Vardanyan

Marianna graduated from Loughborough University in 2020 with an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, having earlier read International Relations at the European University in Armenia. Since 2016, Marianna has co-founded and led a full-service communications agency, Kaizen Dale, working between London and Yerevan, serving governments, international organisations and private sector clients. She hold a Chevening Award from the UK Foreign Office and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Co-Chair

Gagik Apkarian

Gagik is the founder of Tetrad Capital Partners with 20 years of experience in private equity, investment banking and management consulting in U.S, Europe, Middle East and Australia. Previously he was the co-founder and General Partner at Vulcan Capital – private investment office of Paul G Allen (co-founder of Microsoft). Prior to Vulcan Capital he was an investment banker with Morgan Stanley. Gagik is a Judge on Harvard University’s Innovation Challenge and enjoys skiing, tennis and running.

Senior Adviser