On March 24 Speaker of RA National Assembly Mr Hovik Abrahamyan received Mr Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). He was accompanied by a member of AGBU Central Board Mr Vasken Yacoubian and Director of AGBU Yerevan Representation Mr Ashot Ghazaryan.
The NA Speaker welcomed the guests and stressed the one-century activity dedicated to the Homeland and directed to the preservation of the national identity of the Armenian General Benevolent Union and noted that the AGBU implemented a number of educational, cultural, social, humanitarian and church building programs. Mr Abrahamyan highlighted the role of the Union in the issue of preservation of the spiritual heritage for the future generations. It was noted that by the support of the philanthropists of the Union and efforts of Holy See Echmiadzin numerous churches were also restored, ecclesiastical schools were established and Houses of Armenian Youth were formed. The Speaker of the parliament greeted the programs, which have been organized for Diaspora-Armenian youth aimed at discovering Armenia, recognition of traditions, culture and history and strengthening of their relations with the Homeland.
AGBU President Mr Berge Setrakian thanked for the reception and presented the works done, talked about works to be done. 120 branches of AGBU of more than 22.000 members and 27 cultural centers are functioning now in 29 countries. Despite the global financial crisis, AGBU tries to implement all envisaged programs. Mr Setrakian noted that in Nork AGBU has 1.4 ha plot, where he plans to create an educational center, which will continue the work of Cyprus Melgonian educational institution. There every year more than 1000 Armenian students of different countries of the world can study and it can become a world youth unique center of the Armenian young specialists and intellectuals.
In Armenia-Diaspora cooperation NA Speaker Mr Hovik Abrahamyan highlighted the activity of the newly created Ministry of Diaspora in the issue of developing joint programs and implementing them and expressed willingness to consistently support the Armenian General Benevolent Union in the issue of implementing the mission of preserving the Armenian identity,