On June 30, the “Ari Tun” Camp in Aghavnadzor hosted the solemn closing ceremony of the first stage of the 2017 “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora. Among the participants were RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, state and cultural figures and guests.

Greeting the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program, the Minister of Diaspora particularly stated the following: “My dear boys and girls, 14 days ago, we agreed that you would spend unforgettable days in Armenia. I think your wish came true. I believe that you will grow up as proud Armenians, will maintain the honor of our nation and will study hard. I would like to thank the families that hosted you, grew to love you and established close ties with you. I would like to thank your parents for believing in us, sending you to Armenia and helping make the first stage of the Program a success. I believe that you will leave a part of your heart in Armenia and will constantly return. You were all born in different countries, but you are all from Armenia. Have a safe trip. You are always welcome in Armenia.”

The young Diaspora Armenians expressed gratitude to the Minister of Diaspora and the Program’s organizers for providing them with the wonderful opportunity to see and recognize Armenia. “No other nation preserves its language with such persistence as the Armenian nation does. I am proud to be Armenian. I am proud that I can speak in Armenian with my friends. Thank you for this wonderful program,” a young participant said.

The participants performed numbers that they had been rehearsing during their days at the camp.

Let us mention that there were 163 participants from 8 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Kuwait, Syria and France.