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On January 27 the RA NA President Hovik Abrahamyan took part in the official reception dedicated to the Day of the Republic of India.

Welcoming the attendees the RA NA President said:

“On behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and personally me let me cordially congratulate you, Mr Ambassador, in the name of you, the friendly people of India on the occasion of the national holiday of India, Day of the Republic.

Armenia highly appreciates its warm relations with India, which go back to the 16^th century, when the Armenian-Indian trade wide ties became a basis for the friendship of the two peoples. It is not accidental that this circumstance also promoted the formation of the Armenian community in the country of unique culture, in India.

We attach big importance the further development and reinforcement of the relations between Armenia and India. India is of big importance for Armenia, in the political plane, as well as in various fields. Today India enjoys big authority in international arena, which is strengthened with its powerful economy and role at global level.

The friendship between Armenia and India has a millennia-old history. By destiny our two peoples have always faced numerous experiences to prove their will and capability of living free and independent. We have fought for the freedom and independence of the Motherland, but we have not built our struggle and victories on hatred and violence.

The fact that the first Armenian periodical “Azdarar”/Announcer/ has been published in the Indian city of Madras, and this year, we celebrate its 220^th anniversary, testifies to the spiritual firm bond s .

One of the greatest figures of India and the world, political and spiritual leader of Indian independence movement Mahatma Gandhi has said the following wonderful words: “Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love.” These words are fully consonant with the passed path of the Armenian and Indian peoples, value system and psychology. These words are topical today, when in the world, unfortunately, there is a lack of readiness to solve the issues of tolerance through peaceful means.

I note with satisfaction that the development of the inter-parliamentary relations between Armenia and India is rather tangible during the recent years. As the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, I will make all the efforts for more deepening those relations for the benefit of the rapprochement of bilateral relations and strengthening of friendship.

Dear, Mr Ambassador, taking the advantage, let me once again congratulate you on the Day of the Republic of India. I wish the friendly Indian people peaceful future, welfare and further progress.”