On June 25, at the initiative of Nuard Armenian Cultural Union of Belgium, the Belgian city of Antwerp hosted an event devoted to the Armenian-Flemish friendship. As reported the press service of Nuard Armenian Cultural Union to Hayern Aysor, the gallery of Diorne Cultural Center hosted the opening of the exhibition showcasing the works by painter, sculptor Nerses Vardanyan and painter Joanna Ludikhois. The national anthems of Flandria and Armenia were followed by the message of President of the Parliament of Flandria Jan Poymans addressed to President of Nuard Armenian Cultural Union Gevorg Minasyan and the participants of the event.

The event began with a speech by President of Nuard Armenian Cultural Union Gevorg Minasyan, who presented the friendly relations that Armenia and Flandria established in the third century. In his speech, Deputy of the Parliament of Flandria Vard Kennes, who has been to Armenia and has visited Artsakh, spoke about the already established friendly ties with admiration and suggested taking new steps.

Stepan Mirdikyan, who was born in Antwerp and has 60 years of experience as a lawyer, called on the Armenians having moved to Belgium over the past couple of years to do everything possible to establish cordial ties with the Belgians.

The speeches were followed by performances by the Flemish De Moeffeleer Ethnographic Dance Ensemble, well-known dudukist Vardan Hovhannisyan, singer Noyan Nara, the children’s group of the Barekamutyun Ensemble of Nuard Armenian Cultural Union and actor Johnny Voners, who performs wonderful renditions of Charles Aznavour’s songs.

After the concert, the participants of the event tasted Armenian wine and brandy.