Congratulatory message by President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of declaring Gyumri the 2013 Cultural Capital of the CIS states

Dear Guests,
Dear Gyumretsis,

I congratulate us all on declaring Gyumri the 2013 Cultural Capital of the CIS states. That important decision was adopted on December 5, 2012 at the session of the CIS Heads of State Council in Ashgabat.

The Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth interstate program is aimed at boosting cultural dialogue among the CIS members and fusion of their potential in that area. It is also called upon to reveal creative potential existing beyond the capitals and to strengthen invisible ties binding together cultural cooperation of the CIS nations. Our rich common historical experience should always be on display in order to find new areas of mutual appreciation.

I am glad to note that the idea of this wonderful program was introduced by the Republic of Armenia.

I am also glad that Gyumri - the administrative center of the millennia-old Shirak region will be carrying out this important mission. This is a town which has preserved to its best and developed anew the finest national and cultural traditions of our nation. This is the town which we recognize as the cultural capital of Armenia because Gyumri is the birthplace of many outstanding figures of the Armenian culture.

I am confident that being the 2013 Cultural Capital of the CIS states will write a new, unforgettable page in the history of Gyumri.

I thank all organizers and participants of the event, wish you remarkable and eventful days.