On July 25, the participants of the 5^th stage of the “Ari Tun” Program, under the leadership of Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan, visited the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia where they were received by Minister Vigen Sargsyan.

Greeting the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program, the Minister of Defense stated that the Program provides young Diaspora Armenians with big opportunities to preserve the national identity and strengthen their bonds with the Homeland and talked about the stages of formation of the Armenian Army, as well as the army’s history and major achievements. “The history of the Armenian people has been shaped in such a way that there are more Armenians living beyond the borders of Armenia than there are Armenians living in Armenia. The Ministry of Diaspora operates under the leadership of its experienced minister Hranush Hakobyan to identity the issues of Armenians abroad and to strengthen their bonds with the Homeland. I am certain that all the conditions have been created for you to recognize the Homeland better. I would definitely like to mention that you must be able to preserve the Armenian identity abroad and be aware of your identity. In that case, you will live a more dignified life. The homeland is a living source that can always serve as your nourishment. Being Armenian is an honor in the whole world since the whole world knows Armenians as creative and hard-working people. So, being Armenian is not only an additional duty, but also an opportunity.”

Touching upon the history of the formation of the Armenian Army, Minister Sargsyan stated that army construction was the biggest test for nation-building. “Our army was formed during the war in Artsakh, and today, it is the most efficient army in the region and the guarantor of peace. Compared to the number of the world population, the Armenian army is third in terms of the number of servicemen being drafted after the armies of Israel and Singapore. I would definitely like to emphasize the fact that we Armenians are fighting for peace,” Vigen Sargsyan stated.

The Minister of Defense called on the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program to visit Armenia more often.

Afterwards, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan expressed words of gratitude and attached importance to the fact that the young Armenians visiting Armenia through the Program have the opportunity to not only go sightseeing in Armenia, but also visit military education institutions and military units and meet with the leaderships of the armed forces.

“You took the time from your busy schedule to meet our young boys and girls and share your knowledge and words of advice with them. You set an example of the best young high-ranking official for them with your education and work experience, Mr. Sargsyan. You are trying to implement the Nation-Army ideology through which you are carrying out the “I Have the Honor” and “I Am” programs that are aimed at sparking interest in the profession of an officer and encouraging all those who have made the decision to complete military service on the frontline.”

The Minister of Diaspora expressed confidence that the information about the higher military education institutions of the Republic of Armenia provided by the Minister of Defense was a great help for the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program wishing to receive a military education.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister of Defense answered several questions of the participants that were mainly related to further empowerment of the Armenian Army and the maintenance of peace, as well as the opportunities for completing military service in the Homeland.