On July 21, the “Ari Tun” Camp in Aghavnadzor hosted the solemn closing ceremony of the fourth stage of the “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora. Among the participants were RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, Deputy Speaker of the RA National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov, the participants of the “Diaspora” Summer School Program and guests.

Among the participants of the fourth stage are 156 young Armenians from 14 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Iraq, Syria, the USA, Canada, Belgium, Greece, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Australia.

Greeting the participants of the fourth stage, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan particularly stated the following: “Dear young Armenians, I think you had a lot of fun during these past 14 unforgettable days and that you will always remember those days and always think about Armenia wherever you go. Dear young Armenians, I would like to express gratitude to all the host families that hosted you. I thank all the healthcare, security and police officers and rescuers who stood by your side during these two weeks. I would also like to thank the administration of the “Ari Tun” Camp, the heads of brigades and all those who did everything they could to make sure you spent unforgettable days. During these days, you learned Armenian, Armenian history, went sightseeing across the country and saw all that you had read in books. You also met new people and established friendly ties. I want you to continue your friendships. Dear young Armenians, study hard, become good people and preserve your national identity. I ask, demand and urge you. You were born in different countries, but your roots are in Armenia.”

Addressing the participants of the fourth stage, Deputy Speaker of the RA National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov said the following:  “This is not the first year I am participating in the farewell bonfire at the “Ari Tun” Camp, but I always get emotional, just like the first time. I interact with some of the 10 million Armenians here. Repatriation starts from homeland recognition. This is a perfect program because devotion, dedication, love and patriotism lie at its core.”

The participants of the fourth stage performed numbers that they had been rehearsing during their stay at the “Ari Tun” Camp.