On Apr. 3, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan granted passports of the Republic of Armenia to Primate of the Armenian Catholic Diocese of Egypt, Father, Bishop Krikor Augustinos Kousa and owner of Mobaco Cottons Rauf Bargoud.

Introducing the activities carried out by Father Krikor Augustinos Kousa of Aleppo, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan mentioned that he has been the Primate of the Armenian Catholic Diocese of Alexandria since 2004 and is serving in Egypt, Sudan, the South African Republic and Ethiopia. “Father Krikor Augustinos Kousa is the primate of the diocese of one of the oldest Armenian communities, and we know that the dioceses not only serve the Armenians of the Diaspora spiritually, but also organize and hold cultural and educational events that are aimed at preserving the Armenian identity,” said the RA Minister of Diaspora.

When Kessab rebelled against joining Turkey in 1938, the Papal Delegate to Syria and Lebanon visited Kessab, was introduced to the situation facing the Armenians and presented the situation to the Pope of Rome. Cardinal Grigor Petros Aghajanyan played an important role in that, and as a result, Kessab was rejoined with Syria.

“We believe the Armenian Catholic Church must make more efforts to have the Pope of Rome issue a statement on the events taking place in Kessab now,” said Mrs. Hakobyan.

Expressing gratitude to RA President Serzh Sargsyan and RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan for granting him citizenship of the Republic of Armenia, the Primate of the Armenian Catholic Diocese of Egypt assured that the entire Diocese will rejoice when it receives the news about the Primate’s acquisition of Armenian citizenship.

“I know that Egypt’s Armenian and Arabic presses will write about this upon my return and that many Egyptian-Armenians will also want to apply for Armenian citizenship,” said His Holiness, adding that the Homeland has respected and appreciated the Armenian Catholic Church with respect to him.

Introducing owner of Mobaco, which is Egypt’s best clothing company, as well as citizen of the Republic of Armenia Rauf Bargoud, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan mentioned that Bargoud is highly recognized in Egypt. “We see that Mr. Rauf has followed the example of His Holiness. The Bargouds are active and patriotic people who have been able to achieve success in Egypt thanks to their talent and aspirations. I’m certain that Rauf’s brother, John Bargoud, who is in the hall now, will be granted Armenian citizenship next time,” said the minister.

Expressing gratitude to the RA Minister of Diaspora for the passport of the Republic of Armenia, Parkut mentioned that he will try to communicate in Armenian during his next visit to Armenia.