On July 3, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received Armenian American playwright, writer, national and cultural figure Herand Markarian and his wife.

Greeting the guest, the Minister attached importance to the Diaspora Armenian writer’s pro-Armenian activities and the issues on preservation of the Armenian identity and language. “Young Armenians must speak in Armenian. Our programs are devoted to the homeland recognition of young Diaspora Armenians and the preservation of the national identity and language. It is important to make sure the courses of the “Diaspora” Summer School Program are held with the participation of as many Diaspora Armenian teachers as possible. Language is the backbone of Armenians and Armenian identity. Armenian children need to be taught Armenian at least two hours a week through songs, dances and games. This will help not only preserve the Armenian language and national traditions, but also create an Armenian environment,” the Minister particularly stated.

The Minister presented the upcoming programs and invited the Diaspora Armenian figure to participate in the 6^th Armenia-Diaspora Pan-Armenian Conference to be held in Yerevan on 18-20 September.

Issues related to preservation of the Armenian identity and language were considered during the meeting.

Herand Markarian expressed gratitude for the cordial reception and effective meeting and donated his book, noting that it features the works that he has created over the past fifty years.

During the meeting, the sides touched upon community-related news, as well as the cultural events and charity programs that are carried out within the community.