Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Armenia’s minister of diaspora, on September 10 received the members of the Central Executive Board of Hamazkayin.
Welcoming the guests, Mr. Hayrapetyan noted the importance of the 90-year-old organization’s contribution to building Armenian culture and strengthening Armenia-diaspora relations.
“A strong diaspora is in Armenia’s interests. A strong Armenia is in the diaspora’s interest,” Mr. Hayrapetyan pronounced. “We [in Armenia] must also dedicate ourselves to solving the diaspora’s problems. The state and Armenians worldwide have an interest in in-depth work to resolve educational problems. Education, culture are important values for constructing Armenian identity. In terms of challenges, the tasks are clear. The diaspora must feel that it has a strong state backing it.”
During the meeting, Western Armenian schools were discussed. The importance of quality, to keep the schools competitive, was emphasized.
Hamazkayin Central Executive Board Chairperson Mkrtich Mkrtchyan thanked the minister for a productive meeting. He outlined the organization’s direction, goals, and planned activities, assuring the minister that cooperation would continue with new vigor and practical steps.