On May 22, RA Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan received State Representative of the Armenian community of Cyprus in the House of Representatives of Cyprus Vartkes Mahdessian.

Greeting the guest, the Minister of Diaspora stated that the maintenance and enhancement of the relations between Armenia and the Diaspora are a priority objective for the Ministry of Diaspora. “The Diaspora is versatile, multi-layered and intricate. To work effectively, we need the will and willingness, and we Armenians have that. We need to start working actively,” the Minister stated.

Congratulating Mkhitar Hayrapetyan on being appointed Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, Vartkes Mahdessian highlighted the fact that the Ministry of Diaspora is a major institution for the Armenian community of Cyprus. “We will continue our partnership, refine it more and strengthen the bonds. The public in Armenia and the Diaspora have great expectations from the new government. I am more than glad that we Armenians showed the world that we are united as one and that we overcame the hardships without shedding a drop of blood. I see smiles on people’s faces and feel that they are content. I am more than glad that young people are members of the government,” the guest stated.

The sides discussed issues related to the programs and projects of the Ministry and particularly touched upon the “Ari Tun” Program of the Ministry of Diaspora. Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan stated that this year the programs will be carried out regularly and certain technical changes will be made, if possible. “Our programs will undergo changes next year. All of our actions will only be aimed at improving efforts,” the Minister of Diaspora highlighted.

At the end of the meeting, State Representative of the Armenian community of Cyprus in the House of Representatives of Cyprus Vartkes Mahdessian wished Mkhitar Hayrapetyan fruitfulness and wished that he establishes close partnership with the Diaspora.