President Serzh Sargsyan meets representatives of Armenian community of Uruguay

President Serzh Sargsyan having arrived in the Republic of Uruguay on a state visit today visited Saint Nerses Shnorhali Church. After the welcome speech of the leader of the Uruguayan diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Hakob Glnjyan, in his address to the representatives of the Armenian community of Uruguay Serzh Sargsyan noted that he was glad and proud to find out that there was such an influential and organized community in the remote country of Uruguay. “I am proud that you have managed not only to ensure a patriotic atmosphere, not only to tell your children that despite being Uruguayan citizens they are Armenians, but also to win the respect of all the rest of Uruguayan citizens. Together we make each other stronger and only together we can fulfill our national goals,” said President Serzh Sargsyan.

The Armenian President laid a wreath at the memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide located at the church yard and paid tribute to their memory.

Later on, President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with the representatives of Uruguay’s Armenian organizations and benefactors at the AGBU’s Nubaryan college. By the decree of the RA President the representative of the ARF and Uruguay’s Armenian Cause office Arpi Hochachanyan, the benefactor Karapet Pilavjyan, the Uruguayan Minister of Tourism and Sport Lilian Keshishyan were awarded the Medal of Movses Khorenatsi for strengthening the Motherland-Diaspora ties and making a significant contribution to the preservation of the Armenian identity, as well as for carrying out active social and charitable activities. The president awarded the Medal of Mkhitar Gosh to Senator Rafael Michelini and the member of the Uruguayan parliament Ruben Martinez Huelmo for making a significant contribution to the process of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Serzh Sargsyan handed the RA state awards, congratulated the awardees and wished them success.

Concluding its state visit to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, the delegation led by President Serzh Sargsyan today will make an official visit to the Republic of Chile.