On August 25, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received members of the team of young Diaspora Armenians who participated in the “Baze 2014” Pan-Armenian Youth Reunion held by the Youth Foundation of Armenia on 18-24 August 2014.

The team leader, President of the Diaspora Armenian Students’ Council Samvel Mkoyan mentioned that the program had brought together 18 young Armenians from 7 countries around the world, including France, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Belarus, Russia and Georgia. Mkoyan also presented the achievements that the young Diaspora Armenians had made during the program.

The Diaspora Armenian youth and students were divided in two squads, and the team was recognized as the “best” squad.

They achieved high results in arm-wrestling, table tennis, brain ring, soccer, volleyball and tug-of-war.

Shoghig Avedissian, who had traveled to Armenia from Aleppo to participate in the program, won 1^st place in the swimming competition.

The team leader proudly presented the 9 medals and 26 diplomas, and the Diaspora Armenian participants donated one of the 2 BAZE statuettes to the museum of the Ministry of Diaspora.

RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan cordially welcomed the young Diaspora Armenians, congratulated them on the upcoming academic year and wished them success. The minister also wished that they gain more knowledge so that they could become competitive and good professionals and contribute to the advancement of the homeland with their potential.

“The 21^st century is the century of knowledge, innovations and new ideas. You have to be among the great intellectuals who put in their efforts to solve issues of national concern and contribute to Armenia’s development,” Hranush Hakobyan said.

The minister attached importance to the Diaspora Armenian youth’s participation in such programs that provide them with the opportunity to visit the homeland, make new friends, create a healthy and favorable environment, as well as gain more knowledge and acquire more skills. The minister particularly said: “I believe your meetings with the country’s elite are very important. Your team must become one of the guarantors for the preservation of the Armenian identity. By seeing and getting to know the Homeland, you must always maintain and enhance the contacts that you have established throughout the past week. You must preserve the Armenian identity and transmit the energy that you received from the homeland to your friends and relatives. You must not be detached from Armenian customs and traditions and, most importantly, you must speak and communicate in the native language and remain attached to your roots. I wish all of you become good people, good Armenians and good professionals and realize the importance of your participation, as well as the willingness to combine your strengths and potential ahead of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The drive to be the leader must guide each and every one of you.

This is why I ask, urge you and demand that you study, find your place, become leaders and winners in all fields. You must always remember that you owe it to your genes and must take pride in being Armenian. You must realize your responsibility of being a good Armenian by preserving your faith, language, family and traditions and always ask yourself-��?What have I done for my Homeland?’”

Minister Hranush Hakobyan suggested that the participants show active participation in the programs organized by the Ministry of Diaspora.

In the end, the Diaspora Armenian youth asked the minister their questions of concern.