On September 21, the grand Biblos Hall of Beirut’s Pyunikia Hotel hosted a reception dedicated to the 25^th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia and organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon, as reported the press service of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Among the attendees were representative of the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Minister of Labor Sezhan Azzi; representative of the parliamentary speaker Bassem Al Shab; current and former government officials and Members of Parliament; army generals; Ambassadors accredited to Beirut and other representatives of the diplomatic corps; Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenian Catholic Church Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan; leader of the Armenian Diocese of Lebanon, Bishop Shaheh Panosian; spiritual leaders representing different churches, as well as leaders and representatives of Armenian community organizations.

In his speech, RA Ambassador to Lebanon Samvel Mkrtchyan presented the difficult history of the Armenian people who led a struggle with the aspiration for independence for centuries and regained independence 25 years ago, as well as the achievements made after independence, that is, conducting democratic reforms, restoring the economy and shaping the image of a reliable partner in the international arena. The Ambassador talked about the challenges that the independent Armenia has confronted, presented the current state of the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and talked about the efforts that are being made for the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.

In the context of the Armenian-Lebanese friendship, the RA Ambassador specifically emphasized the generosity that Lebanon and the Lebanese have shown towards the Armenians. Mentioning that Lebanon is one of the exceptional countries that received the Armenians saved from the genocide a century ago and created all the necessary conditions for the Armenians to integrate into society, Ambassador Mkrtchyan expressed gratitude to the Lebanese government and people, wishing for speedy and peaceful solutions to the problems and challenges.

The event included performances of Armenian songs and presentations of the works of Armenian painters.