On Feb. 20, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received resident of the Armenian-populated city of Kamishli of Syria, doctor Zareh Simonian and Priest Hovsep Bedoian from the Prelacy of the Armenian Catholic Church.

Doctor Zareh Simonian presented the difficult situation facing the Armenians in dire need in Syria. Unlike the Armenians in Damascus and Aleppo, the Armenians in Kamishli are relatively safe, but the residential areas are at risk due to the bombings that continue at a 20 km distance from Kamishli.

Minister Hranush Hakobyan presented the activities carried out by the RA Ministry of Diaspora to assist in the solution to the social, educational, health-related and other key issues facing the Syrian-Armenians in Armenia, including the New Aleppo housing project for Syrian-Armenians. The minister also presented the consistent efforts of diplomatic missions and attached importance to the fact that Armenia’s embassies and consular offices haven’t stopped working throughout the war.

During the meeting, the sides also discussed issues on ensuring the safety of Armenians in Syria, providing assistance and helping them receive passports and visas.