Armen Sarkissian: Our Fatherland ought to be rediscovered

“Just as today, I will be coming to visit theater one day, next time – a museum and serve as example for our fellow citizens,” President Sarkissian said today at the meeting with journalists in Gyumri and underscored, “Invite people to visit Gyumri.”

During his working visit to Shirak marz, the President took a walk in Gyumri, greeted the residents and conversed with them.

The President was received cordially at the Aregak inclusive bakery-coffee shop where he met with old acquaintances – Michael, Grisha, Hovhannes and others whom he had met during his previous visit. The President came not empty-handed: He brought gifts for his old friends, had tea with them and tasted candies made by them. Mr. and Mrs. Sarkissian stopped also at the Herbs and Honey café, had a cup of tea and conversed with the visitors.

At the meeting with journalists, Armen Sarkissian noted, “It is necessary to rediscover our Fatherland and it ought to be done first of all by us, residents of Armenia. If a resident of Armenia doesn’t go to Gyumri or Lori, why would others come?”

The President said that during his visits abroad, he discusses issues related to the restoration of Gyumri with different specialized companies and organizations. “I will try as President, and as an individual to assist in the restoration of Gyumri,” President Sarkissian said and added, “One can spend recreation and leisure time in Gyumri, with no special purpose, for a couple of hours, just to take a walk.”

During their visit to Gyumri, Mr. and Mrs. Sarkissian lit a candle at the Holy Mother (Seven Wounds) Church.