On May 24, Acting Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan received Director of the Union of Armenians of Kazakhstan and Masis Armenian Cultural Organization, businessman Ernest Varderesyan.

Cordially greeting the guest, Hranush Hakobyan praised Ernest Varderesyan’s efforts for preservation of the Armenian identity in Kazakhstan, attached importance to the fact that an Armenian Sunday school has opened and an Armenian dance group has been established in Almaty at his initiative and under his sponsorship, as well as the organizing and conduct of events aimed at preserving the traditions of Armenian culture. The Acting Minister particularly emphasized the fact that Varderesyan organizes and sponsors the festive events dedicated to Armenian state and national holidays in Kazakhstan and expressed her satisfaction with the fact that he ensures the participation of the local authorities and national minorities in those events.

Expressing gratitude for the cordial reception, Ernest Varderesyan presented his organizations’ activities and noted that Masis Armenian Cultural Organization is part of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan and has branches in various regions across the country. Varderesyan’s organizations carry out activities to provide young Armenians with an Armenian upbringing, to preserve the national identity, to strengthen the friendship between Kazakhs and Armenians and for the rapprochement of the cultures. Varderesyan attached importance to the close cooperation with the Ministry of Diaspora.

The Acting Minister urged Varderesyan to help the Armenian community of Kazakhstan show more active participation in the programs and projects of the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

Issues related to the 6^th Armenia-Diaspora Pan-Armenian Conference were discussed during the meeting.