On September 17, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received leader of the Union of Armenians of Kazakhstan and Masis cultural organizations, owner of the Europolis District in Almaty, businessman Ernest Varderesyan, who is in Armenia to participate in the 5^th Armenia-Diaspora Conference.

Praising Varderesyan’s efforts to initiate and proceed with the opening of Armenian Sunday schools, the construction of an Armenian Church and the creation of an Armenian newspaper for the Armenian communities in Astana and Almaty, the RA Minister of Diaspora particularly mentioned: “We are pleased with the fact that Armenians in Kazakhstan are able to live and work in a dignified manner. The Ministry of Diaspora will be pleased to support the newly established organization as it carries out its activities aimed at preserving the Armenian identity in Kazakhstan.”

The RA Minister of Diaspora was pleased to stress the fact that the purpose of the two Armenian organizations established by Varderesyan this year is to become one of the 17 community organizations based in different parts of Kazakhstan, to direct and coordinate the efforts for preservation of the Armenian identity, and the community leader’s participation in the 2^nd “My Armenia” Pan-Armenian Festival brought a new sweep to the efforts aimed at creating Armenian dance ensembles in Kazakhstan and ensuring the participation of the Kazakh-Armenian community in the next festival.

The sides discussed preservation of the Armenian identity with its different manifestations. On the one hand, it is the importance of expanding the network of Armenian schools and showing multilateral support for Armenian upbringing, connecting young Armenians to their historic homeland and the need to help them become familiar with Armenian culture, and on the other hand, it is the opportunity to make investments and start businesses in the homeland.

Ernest Varderesyan talked about the activities carried out by his two organizations established this year. He attached special importance to the creation of new organizations aimed at preserving the Armenian identity in Armenian-populated cities of Kazakhstan and strengthening the relations between the Homeland and the Diaspora.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception and the willingness to provide assistance, Varderesyan mentioned that he has planned to visit Armenia and introduce young Armenians of Kazakhstan to the historical monuments in the homeland.

Minister Hranush Hakobyan urged Varderesyan to show active participation in the programs of the RA Ministry of Diaspora that are aimed at making the preservation of the Armenian identity in Armenian communities more effective.