On October 16, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received Armenian American businessman, benefactor Hrach Tufaian and his wife, Susan Tufaian, who were accompanied by Honorary President of the “Pyunik” Pan-Armenian Human Resources Development Foundation Gabriel Jemberjian.

The minister praised Hrach Tufaian’s benevolent acts for preservation of the Armenian identity in the Armenian American community and in the Homeland.

“Your parents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, settled in Egypt and had a bakery. In 1963, you moved to the United States of America and successfully continued what your parents started, and today, you are famous for the Tufaian trademark.”

The minister also attached importance to the fact that the businessman invests his capital in the implementation of several programs aimed at preserving Armenian culture.

“You sponsored the construction of the Holy Resurrection Church in Orlando and the Hrach and Susan Tufaian Armenian Center in Etchmiadzin where there are soup kitchens for socially disadvantaged citizens. You also helped build a kindergarten in the Zangakatun village of Ararat province, and you provide scholarships to youth making progress in the Zangakatun village,” the minister mentioned, adding: “You have carried out several charity acts that contribute to the strengthening and development of Armenia.”

Minister Hranush Hakobyan stressed with joy the fact that Hrach Tufaian’s grandson is now following in his grandfather’s footsteps and has established a small bakery at the Dilijan State Anti-Tuberculosis Sanitary for Children along with the Fund for Armenian Relief.

Minister Hranush Hakobyan awarded Hrach Tufaian the Boghos Nubar Medal of the RA Ministry of Diaspora for carrying out charity acts in Armenia and in the Armenian Diaspora, for special services to preserve the Armenian identity and for his great contributions to the solution to cultural, scientific and educational issues concerning the Armenian American community.

The minister also attached importance to Mrs. Susan Tufaian’s participation in her husband’s initiatives, adding that her participation has inevitably made all the initiatives a success.

Expressing gratitude for the cordial reception and the high award, Hrach Tufaian mentioned: “I’m very touched. It was a surprise for me to see that you are well aware of my activities and to receive the Boghos Nubar Medal. I’ll always keep it with me, and it will help remind me of the RA Ministry of Diaspora and you, Mrs. Hranush Hakobyan.”

During the meeting, the sides discussed several programs for preservation of the Armenian identity in the Armenian American community and for the strengthening of Armenia-Diaspora relations.