President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian today hosted Primate of the Shirak Diocese, Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.
The President congratulated the Primate of the Shirak Diocese on receiving an Archbishop degree.
In his turn Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan congratulated the President on the 1st anniversary of his election, stating that it’s a great honor for him to be hosted by the President. As a resident of Gyumri, Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan thanked the President for constant attention to Gyumri.
President Sarkissian introduced his talk with the UNESCO Secretary General on taking Gyumri’s historical center under the UNESCO sponsorship. “This is a principle for me because it would prevent an encroachment by anyone towards historic buildings”, the President said. “Secondly, it would allow to attract some programs, international funding for the center of Gyumri. My goal is to help and support Gyumri with small, major and every possible step”.
Archbishop Mikayel Ajapahyan stated that Gyumri needs high-level attention and agreed with the President that the city’s historical center should be saved and returned to its previous look especially if there is a desire to develop tourism. He said that in line with this, the remaining issues of the city must also be solved.
The President also highlighted the employment issue of the people. “You can give the best apartment to a person, but if he doesn’t work and is unable to take care of his family, we all know what this can lead to. If people have sufficient jobs, they can buy an apartment or a house with their work”, Armen Sarkissian said.
The sides stated that today there are all favorable conditions and opportunities to solve the existing issues at least in the next two-three years and agreed that Gyumri can greatly contribute to Armenia’s development with its potential.