On August 11, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received Vice-Chairman of the Diocesan Council of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Australia and New Zealand, Chairman of the Council against Discrimination, founder of the Kerkyasharian and Kayikian Foundation Stepan Kerkyasharian. Mr. and Mrs. Kerkyasharian are in Armenia to provide their assistance to Artsakh.

Greeting the guest, Minister Hranush Hakobyan appreciated the active efforts of national figure Stepan Kerkyasharian for preservation of the Armenian identity and particularly stated the following: “I thank you for the great efforts that you and His Holiness Haigazoun make in order to unite and maintain the Armenian community.”

During the meeting, the sides touched upon the responses of the Armenian Diaspora to the four-day war in Artsakh and the latest events. The Minister also expressed gratitude for the comprehensive assistance that Diasporan Armenians provided during and after the four-day war. “The Armenian Diaspora provided a lot of assistance to Artsakh during the difficult days in April and continues to provide its assistance. Thank you,” she added.

Kerkyasharian expressed gratitude for the cordial reception and presented his vision for the implementation of programs that will contribute to Armenia’s empowerment and economic development.

The sides also discussed the problems facing the Armenian community of Australia, as well as organizational issues and issues related to cooperation.