On October 25, 50 cardiologists from different countries and 180 cardiologists from Armenia and Artsakh participated in the opening ceremony of the 4^th Euro-Caucasian Congress of Cardiology organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora and Health Action Armenia-France organization.

Among the participants of the opening ceremony were RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, Mayor of Marseilles-Senator Jean-Claude Gaudin, RA Deputy Minister of Health Vahan Poghosyan, Deputy of the European Parliament Dominique Vlasto, First Deputy Mayor of Marseilles Roland Blum, Deputy Mayor of Marseilles Didier Parakian, Head of the 13^th and 14^th Districts of Marseilles Garo Hovsepian, President of Health Action Armenia-France organization Avedis Matikian, Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Euro-Caucasian Congress of Cardiologists Paul Barragan and other figures and experts.

The RA Minister of Diaspora attached importance to the presence of Mayor of Marseilles, Senator Jean Claude Goden at the opening ceremony.

In her opening speech,  RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan mentioned: “It gives me pleasure to greet the participants of the 4^th Euro-Caucasian Congress of Cardiology. Today, Armenia has become a brilliant center for cardiology thanks to Paul Barragan. I’m certain that this congress will become a wonderful source for exchange of experiences through the synthesis of potential of scientists and practical skills, as well as the effective cooperation between local and foreign cardiologists. It’s nice to see that these kinds of meetings are being held on a regular basis. The goal of the congress is to consolidate the potential of Armenian cardiologists and contribute to the collaboration between cardiologists in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.”

RA Deputy Minister of Health Vahan Poghosyan greeted the participants of the congress and read the message of Minister Derenik Dumanyan in which it was particularly stated: “Cardiovascular diseases are the first reason for deaths in all countries, and Armenia is no exception. Therefore, the exchange of experiences between professionals and the organizing of such congresses are very important.”

Expressing gratitude to the RA Ministry of Diaspora for providing a wonderful opportunity for the exchange of innovative skills in the field of cardiology and for enterprising efforts targeted at the development of the field of cardiology in Armenia, President of the Health Action Armenia-France organization Avedis Matikian mentioned that the organizing of regular meetings has already led to tangible results.

Chairman of the scientific council of the Euro-Caucasian Congress of Cardiology Paul Barragan mentioned that it’s a great pleasure for him to be in Armenia and organize the 4^th Congress, which is held under the patronage of the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

The solemn opening ceremony was followed by the professionals’ speeches.