Egypt’s Masaie Daily has published Apt Al Napi Natim’s interview with RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan.

The following is particularly stated in the interview with the title “Iron Woman: Hranush Hakobyan: Interview with the RA Minister of Diaspora: She Expects the Visit of President Sisi to Participate in the Commemoration of the Armenian Massacres”:

“She is known as the Iron Woman. She has accurate and predictive views. She is prudent and influential…The minister meticulously studies the issues and problems that are set forth and is, why not, responsible for millions of Armenian migrants who are abroad and who were deported after the annihilation perpetrated by Turkey 100 years ago…”

Touching upon the importance of the creation of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, the minister mentioned that Diaspora Armenians make great contributions to Armenia’s economy and there has to be a link between Armenians in Armenia and abroad so that the generations will be able to preserve the Armenian identity and language.

Masaie reports that it had a meeting with Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, who is the ideal of any Armenian and who leads a struggle to defend the rights of the Armenian people and to restore the rights of Armenians that were violated by the Turks.

In response to the questions, the minister touched upon the preparations for the commemoration of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide and informed that “preparations begun in 2011 when we created committees in all countries around the world”. “We’re commemorating not only the martyrs, but the deported Armenians as well.”

“Committees have been created in 50 countries. All Armenian political parties, unions, organizations and individuals of different countries are participating in the commemoration of the Centennial,” the minister said, adding that President of Egypt Abdul Fattah Sisi will also be invited to attend the Commemoration of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. “With his presence we will raise our heads,” the minister said.

Touching upon Armenian-Egyptian relations, the minister informed that the sides have very deep and high-level relations and that they trace back to the depths of history, evidence of which are the archaeological excavations and the metal coins showcased at museums. Throughout history, Armenians have made their contributions to Egypt under the leadership of Boghos Pasha, and Egypt has opened its doors to the Armenians who escaped the massacres and has treated them like a father to a son.

The minister also touched upon the role of the RA Ministry of Diaspora in the strengthening of bonds between Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as the programs promoting preservation of the Armenian identity.

When asked about her attitude towards the terrorist acts taking place in the Arab World and her stance on the latest bombing of the church in Deir ez-Zor, the minister said: “Terrorism is condemnable everywhere and isn’t accepted in religion. What’s going on today must be stopped with determination. The church in Deir ez-Zor was bombed two days after the announcement made by the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia who said that the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia will file a lawsuit against Turkey for the privatization of the Catholicosate of Sis. This gives us something to think about. I must also say that Muslims and Christians have the same God. It’s just that they worship Him in different ways. I’m certain that the perpetrators don’t have a religion. The terrorists have rejected humanitarianism, and terrorist acts have always been neglected in all eras. In his speech at the United Nations, the President of the Republic of Armenia said ��?The Armenian government has friendly relations with the neighboring Islamic countries’, and he affirmed that Armenia condemns all forms of terrorism and the support of certain countries to terrorist groups.”

During the interview, the minister also shared her impressions of the speeches by Egyptian and Turkish Presidents Sisi and Erdogan at the United Nations. “I have a good impression of President Sisi. As for Erdogan, he causes problems everywhere. We have to stop him with the help of countries aspiring for peace. I’m particularly content with the warm rounds of applause during President Sisi’s speech at the United Nations, and this applause for the President of Egypt must serve as a warning to Erdogan, who began to offend Egypt and intervene in its affairs that didn’t concern him. He should stop supporting terrorism and terrorist groups.”

The minister touched upon the importance of Egypt’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide and said it would be a new milestone for recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Arab World.