RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan on 16 July received the delegation led by Mayor of Thessaloniki Yiannis Boutaris. The mayor is in Armenia to establish closer contacts and strengthen relations with Thessaloniki’s sister city Gyumri. Greece will be inviting 250-300 Armenian youth to Thessaloniki to participate in different events and establish contacts with their Greek peers.

Hranush Hakobyan greeted the delegates and particularly mentioned: “It gives me pleasure to see that you place emphasis on the youth as you develop your programs. The youth are a great force and our future. The friendship between our nations traces back to centuries, and we will overcome all the challenges facing us through combined efforts. We have great potential to develop the economy, education, culture, tourism and other spheres of our countries.”

The mayor of Thessaloniki particularly said: “The Armenian community of Thessaloniki plays an important role in social life. Your compatriots are very smart and hard-working people. It has always been my dream to see these relations at a high level and develop them, and I hope my dream turns into a reality.”

After the meeting, the minister and the mayor exchanged gifts.