Armenia’s Ambassador to Switzerland—world-renowned French-Armenian singer, songwriter, actor, and public activist—Charles Aznavour met, on December 13 at Armenia’s Embassy in China, with the Armenians that are living in the Chinese capital, Beijing. 

Aznavour had arrived in Beijing to attend official closing of the French Language Year in China. 

Together with about sixty Armenians, Grandmaster (GM) Levon Aronian—who plays first board for the three-time World Chess Olympiad champion Armenian national team—and GM Elina Danielian—who are in China to compete at the World Mind Sports Games—likewise attended the event.    

In his welcoming remarks, Armenia’s Ambassador to China, Armen Sargsyan, briefed Aznavour on the small-numbered Armenian community in China and, subsequently, the audience posed numerous questions to their legendary compatriot.

In his turn, Charles Aznavour spoke about some episodes from his life and his encounters with numerous famous people. Underscoring the matter of preserving the Armeian identity, he urged the Armenian youth to never cut off ties with their ethnic roots.