On September 20, the participants of the 5^th Armenia-Diaspora Conference met with RA Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan at the RA Ministry of Defense.

Among those attending the meeting were RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, high-ranking servicemen and employees of the ministry. Hranush Hakobyan expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defense for the reception and mentioned that it was important for the guests from different communities of the Diaspora to visit the Ministry of Defense to be convinced that Armenia’s defense is in good hands. Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan greeted the participants of the conference and attached importance to the fact that the Armenia-Diaspora conferences are held ahead of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia in September.

“The conferences help us gather and discuss the issues facing the nation and find ways to solve those issues. The only way to carry out activities is by uniting as one. The collaboration between the Ministries of Diaspora and Defense are also important, and Hranush Hakobyan’s working style has helped make that collaboration a success over the past years,” Seyran Ohanyan mentioned.

In his speech, Seyran Ohanyan also touched upon the events taking place in the Near East and in Ukraine, which have an impact on the Armenian communities and Armenia. “The geopolitical crises cause a threat to not only Armenia, but to Armenian communities of the Diaspora as well. The tragic events in Iraq and Syria caused a serious blow to our communities in those countries. Those events were followed by the crisis in Egypt and the latest events unfolding in Ukraine. This makes us become more united to help our compatriots living in countries in a state of war,” the minister highlighted and continued: “Armenia’s armed forces were in tense situations this year. Artsakh and the bordering regions of Armenia were in tense situations due to the events that took place in January, July and August. With its attacks, our opponent put the ceasefire signed in May 1994 and the OSCE Minsk Group’s efforts at risk, but the Armenian army fulfilled its duty with honor and managed to push the opponent back.”

Seyran Ohanyan briefly presented the stages and particularities of the army’s development, its achievements and answered questions from the participants of the conference.

In the end, Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defense for organizing the meeting and assured that the Armenian Diaspora will always show its potential and will support Armenia and the Armenian Army.

After the meeting at the RA Ministry of Defense, the participants of the 5^th Armenia-Diaspora Conference headed towards the Gabriel Sundukyan National Academic Theater to watch the play “Rise for the Judge”.

In her welcoming remarks, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan mentioned that the visit of the participants of the Armenia-Diaspora Conference to the administration complex of the RA Ministry of Defense serves as a good opportunity to introduce them to the ministry’s policy, as well as the past and present of the victorious Armenian army.

Congratulating the participants of the meeting on the Independence of the Republic of Armenia and highly appreciating the Diaspora’s role in nation-building and development following independence, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan stated that Armenia is strong and invincible through the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora triumvirate and is capable of overcoming all the challenges facing all Armenians. The minister briefly presented the stages and particularities of the army’s development, the army’s problems and achievements and voiced confidence that during the years of the Artsakh liberation struggle and even now, the guarantees of the nation and the international community create opportunities for Armenian servicemen to meet their objectives excellently, regardless of the fact that the opponent constantly tries to create tension with its working style.

Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan also answered the participants’ questions of concern.

The meeting ended with a speech by Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan. Expressing gratitude to the Minister of Defense for organizing the meeting, Hranush Hakobyan assured that Armenia and the Armenian army will always see the potential of Diaspora Armenians as the country continues to grow and develop.

The participants of the 5^th Armenia-Diaspora Conference also viewed an exhibition showcasing products and arms of the military-industrial complex at the administrative complex of the RA Ministry of Defense.