The sixth stage of the “Ari Tun” Program was held with a solemn opening ceremony at the RA Ministry of Diaspora on August 3.

RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan expressed her greetings to the participants and particularly mentioned the following: “Dear young Armenians, it gives me great pleasure to see you in Armenia. Welcome! Your cherished dream has come true. Most of you are visiting Armenia for the first time, but you already have your first impressions. This program is a pan-Armenian program that has become a unique way of helping Diaspora Armenians see the Homeland, enjoy being in the Homeland, taking pride in it, growing to love it and returning to the Homeland. I believe you will spend unforgettable days in your Historic Homeland. I believe these days will become the best and the unforgettable two weeks of your lives. You will miss Armenia and will think about returning. I wish you success and fun-filled days. We love you and will always be with you during your stay.”

Raffi Bedrosian also expressed his words of gratitude. “I’m happy that the Government of the Republic of Armenia paid heed to our request and that the Ministry of Diaspora cordially received this group of Armenians of Dersim and Diyarbakir in the Homeland. This visit will help them recognize their roots, learn Armenian and the religion of their ancestors, that is, Christianity so that they return to their national identity. This movement must gain momentum,” Bedrosian mentioned.

According to tradition, the minister dressed 15-year-old Adam Adamyan in the shirt with the logo of the “Ari Tun” Program on it.

The participants of the sixth stage of the program were also greeted by actor of the Dramatic Theater of Vanadzor and reciter Jivan Sargsyan, who received warm rounds of applause for reciting the Armenian poem “We Are Small In Number, But They Call Us Armenian”.

The orchestra of Valencia Complex gave a performance, and the participants danced around the hall to the sounds of Armenian national music.

The sixth stage of the “Ari Tun” Program has gathered 197 young Armenians from 17 countries around the world, including the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, the UK, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, France, the USA, Argentina, Syria, Lebanon, Iran and Turkey.