Lieutenant General Artur Aghabekyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic visited the Western Prelacy, accompanied by Armenia Fund Chair Antranik Baghdassarian and Executive Director Sarkis Kotanjian, Asbarez reported.
The guests were welcomed by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, who was joined by Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, Executive Council Chair Rima Boghossian and member Dr. Dikran Babikian, and Ladies Auxiliary members Dzovig Zetlian andAlisa Konanyan.
It was the second visit of Aghabekyan to the Prelacy, the first taking place when he was a member of Armenia’s Parliament and Chair of the Security and Defense Committee. This visit offered the opportunity to discuss latest developments and advancements in Artsakh on local and international levels, and collaborative efforts with Armenia and the Diaspora in light of the upcoming Telethon which will fund construction of the Vardenis-Martakert highway linking northern Armenia and northern Artsakh.
The Deputy Prime Minister spoke of the importance of the highway, which will aid socio-economic development in both Artsakh and Armenia. He also gave an overview of the challenges Artsakh has faced and faces as a result of the conflict with Azerbaijan, stating that the security and progress of Artsakh is the responsibility of Armenians worldwide. In conclusion, he expressed confidence that as in the past, Armenians around the world will lend their support once again to the Telethon and to this crucial project. Antranik Baghdassarian also spoke of the importance of this project and expressed confidence regarding the raising of the necessary funds to carry out this endeavor.
The Prelate and Rima Boghossian welcomed Aghabekyan and his determination with regards to the land and people of Artsakh, and affirmed the staunch support of the Armenian people for the protection and advancement of Artsakh.
On this occasion, the Prelate presented the Deputy Prime Minister with the book Rescued Armenian Treasures from Cilicia, and invited him to the “Year of the Armenian Mother” lecture luncheon organized by the Ladies Auxiliary, which took place at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall.
