The opening ceremony of the 4^th stage of the 2013 “Ari Tun” Program for Diaspora Armenian youth was held at the RA Ministry of Diaspora on July 15^th.

In her welcoming remarks, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan particularly said: “Your dreams have come true. The “Ari Tun” Program has provided you with the opportunity to see Armenia, be in the Homeland, make friends and always stay connected to Armenia. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the host families, the organizers, as well as the Diaspora Armenian schools and structures and the parents who helped you spend 14 wonderful days in Armenia. I thank the municipality and the heads of the provinces. I would like to give special thanks to the doctors who will be working endlessly for the next 14 days to make sure you are healthy and energetic. These days you will be making friends and will leave Armenia with new thoughts and emotions and with the thought that you will return to Armenia.”

The minister especially welcomed the youth who had come from Iraq, the Netherlands, Latvia, Belgium, Belarus, Argentina, Syria, Russia and Georgia.

The event included a performance by the Jeyran Dance Group of the Cultural Center in Tbilisi.

The fourth stage of the program will be held with the participation of nearly 150 youth from 14 countries around the world.