YEREVAN. – Armenian Foreign Minister (FM) Edward Nalbandian’s visit to Syria kicked off Wednesday with a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Assad underscored the Armenian FM’s visit to Syria, and highly praised Armenia’s balanced position on the Syrian crisis, informed the press service of the MFA of Armenia. Nalbandian, for his part, said the Syrian Armenians likewise share the difficulties of the friendly Syrian people.

Reflecting on the Armenian Genocide Centennial, the President of Syria specifically noted: “One hundred years ago, the Armenian people were subjected to genocide. Unfortunately, today history repeats itself. Today the Syrian people encounter the sufferings of the Armenian people.”

In turn, the Armenian FM stated, in particular: “The Syrian people lent a helping hand to our compatriots who escaped the Genocide. Syria became a shelter and a second homeland for them.” Nalbandian also thanked for a high-level Syrian delegation’s presence to the Armenian Genocide Centennial commemorations that were held in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, in April.

Next, the Syrian President and the Armenian FM exchanged views on the ongoing efforts to settle the crisis in Syria.

The interlocutors also reflected on the matter of protection of ethnic and religious minorities in the Middle East. In this context, FM Nalbandian thanked for the caring approach toward the Syrian Armenian community and cultural heritage. President Assad, for his part, valued the Armenian community’s contribution to the development of Syria and ensuring stability in the country. 

The President of Syria also asked the FM of Armenia to convey his greetings to President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia. 

In the afternoon, Edward Nalbandian met with representatives of the Armenian community of Syria.