President Serzh Sargsyan met in San Paolo with Governor Geraldo Alckmin and representatives of the Armenian community

In the framework of his working visit to the Federal Republic of Brazil, President Serzh Sargsyan in San Paolo, which is the third most populous city of the world and has the largest Armenian community in Brazil, met with Governor Geraldo Alckmin and representatives of the Armenian community.

t the beginning of the meeting the President of Armenia first thanked the Governor Alckmin for the assistance, which the state of San Paolo is continuously providing to the Armenian community. In the development of the Armenian-Brazilian interstate relations and strengthening of the friendship of the two nations and reciprocal familiarization with the cultural values, Serzh Sargsyan highlighted the importance of the decentralized cooperation and brought the example of proclaiming over a decade ago Osasco and Gyumri, as well as Franco da Roca and the capital of Nagorno Karabakh capital Stepanakert sister towns.

The President expressed hope that reciprocal visits of different levels and contacts, including those between the local governance bodies, will give a new impetus to the relations between Armenia and Brazil and will expand the agenda aimed at the development of cooperation. President Sargsyan thanked the Governor of San Paolo and authorities of the state for the official recognition of the Armenian Genocide as well as for the installation at the Armenia Square in San Paolo of the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Mets Eghern.

The President of Armenia and Governor Geraldo Alckmin discussed possibilities of developing cooperation in different areas and full utilization of the existing potential. They spoke in particular about research in the area of agriculture and prospects of cooperation in the scientific innovation programs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Sargsyan made an inscription at the Book of Honorary Guests of the San Paolo City Hall.

"I am glad for the opportunity to be hosted at San Paolo state – the locomotive of Brazil. Peoples, who represent different cultures and traditions, coexist here side by side. I am glad that my compatriots are among them; they have been able not only to survive but develop, bringing their unique participation in different areas of the country’s life. Armenian squares, bridges, and memorials in different towns of San Paolo make this state precious for us. I am hopeful that our cooperation from now on will become even closer for the benefit of the Armenian-Brazilian friendship,” wrote the President of Armenia.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Sargsyan and the Governor of San Paolo met with the representatives of the Armenian community of San Paolo who organized a reception at the Governor’s Mansion in the honor of the President of Armenia.

In his address the President of Armenia noted with satisfaction that thousands of kilometers away, the Armenian community in the friendly Brazil has been able to preserve the Armenian spirit and to decently present the Armenian nation, living and creating beyond the borders of Fatherland with diligence and wisdom typical for the Armenians, acquiring high social status, becoming law abiding citizens of Brazil, professionals respected and in demand in many areas. Serzh Sargsyan hailed the role of the community in the development of the Armenian-Brazilian relations and underscored that because of them many in Brazil know about the Armenian people and our millennia long heritage.

“I am proud that despite the challenges of the fate today we are here, together, we have independent homeland, athletes, who present that independent homeland worthily at these Olympic Games, and in your person compatriots who support them here.

Dear Attendees,

One hundred years after the Armenian Genocide, we are united more than ever; we’ve put together our forces and with our united spirit have been able to prove to the world that the Armenian resolve is unbreakable, our struggle for justice, for the condemnation of the Genocide is unyielding. Our struggle will go on as long as anywhere in the world people are being exterminated solely for what they are. As I have already said, genocide anywhere in the world must be perceived as a failure of the entire international community, while prevention of genocides is the responsibility of every one and all of us together. With this regard I express my profound thanks to the local governing bodies of Brazil in the person of the leadership of the state of San Paolo, as well as to the Federal Assembly of Brazil for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in 2015 which thus made their input to the efforts of the international community in the prevention of genocides and other new crimes against humanity. With that resolution Brazil validated the contribution of the thousands of the descendents of the Armenian refugees residing in Brazil to the economic, social, and cultural life of Brazil. We watched closely events organized in Brazil and other countries of the world dedicated to the Genocide remembrance. I thank you, all organizations of the Armenian community in Brazil, structures and unions, individuals for their committed work, for your daily dedication to the Motherland, readiness to support Artsakh. I am confident we will continue to cooperate in the same spirit and will call to life multiple programs.

Dear Compatriots,

Twenty-eight years ago the Armenian nation stood up to support Artsakh, to liberate Artsakh. Artsakh’s struggle for survival was yet another manifestation of our national revival and union, which gave a start to the restitution of our statehood. Months ago, Azerbaijan bluntly violated ceasefire agreement with its large-scale activities and once again unleashed war against Artsakh but suffering great loses had to stop and wrap up its activities. The four-day war was a test of our unity which we passed with honor. In those days the entire Armenian nation stood up in Armenia and in Spyurk and became one fist. And we realized that there is no force in the world that can shake our unity. In line with the well-know maxim, we are striving for peace, but ready for war. Armenia is steadfast in the finding a peaceful resolution to the problem and resolute in fulfilling the just demand of the people of Artsakh for their right of self-determination.

Dear Compatriots,

This year our entire nation will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of our two Armenian nations. Twenty-five years - a quarter of a century - one generation. Our greatest achievement of this period in my opinion is the generation which thinks freely, values freedom, which is proud and rebellious, which defies me often. A quarter of a century is plenty, so the time has come to re-evaluate the road we have travelled. There is no doubt that along with achievements, in these twenty-five years we have had losses, but also accomplishments and victories; we have become a full member of the international community. Today Armenia has entered a new phase of development. Through the changes to the Constitution we have opted for a longtime and sustainable development. It reflects our vision of the future, our notions and approaches aimed at building a democratic, strong, prosperous, and secure state. The new Constitution will become the fundament for our future achievements, for the Armenia of a new generation. Fortified by twenty-five years of independence, today we look into future with faith and move with steady steps,” said the President of Armenia.

Serzh Sargsyan spoke about reforms carried out in our country in the last 25 years, about the improvement of the business and investment climate and noted that in Armenia we are ready to discuss investment programs of the representatives of the Armenian community, new ideas and creative proposals, create opportunities and conditions for their implementation. The President of Armenia said that 25 years later it is important and necessary to speak of mutually beneficial cooperation rather than aid.

“Dear Armenians,

In conclusion, I would like to say that regardless of where in the world we live or what language we speak we have one common value – the Fatherland of all Armenians and the Armenian statehood,” stressed the President of Armenia. Serzh Sargsyan also responded to the questions from the audience.

Governor Geraldo Alckmin also made a statement at the meeting with the representatives of the Armenian community.

Noting that Armenian statehood dates back to the 6th century BC and that in 301 Armenia became the first Christian nation, Governor Alckmin underscored that Armenia is called a Land of Stones because located at the crossroad between East and West, Armenia passed a rocky path. The Governor noted proudly that San Paolo is the first Brazilian state where April 24 was declared the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.

“We are honored that 70 percent of the Armenian community of Brazil reside in our state, so here you’re home. We have the Armenian district, the Armenian metro station, the Armenian bridge. Even Portugal does not have so many things in our state. The Armenian community is cherished here: it brings great participation to the development of our state and certainly assists our state in every way. We have impressive economic relations with Armenia, and after the visit of President Serzh Sargsyan they will expand further. We are proud, Distinguished President Sargsyan, to host you in our state, in San Paolo, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Armenia which will be celebrated on September 21. Let your visit be a productive one and please remember that here you are at home,” said Governor Geraldo Alckmin in his statement.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serzh Sargsyan awarded Honorary Consul of Armenia in San Paolo, a prominent figure of the community and benefactor Mrs. Hilda Diruhi Burmayan with the First Degree Order for the services to the Fatherland. In addition to many already implemented programs, the Burmayan family will fund the construction of the Embassy of Armenia in the Federal Republic of Brazil.