YEREVAN. – In honor of Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan and First Lady Rita Sargsyan, who are in Lebanon on an official visit, a formal dinner was given Monday evening on behalf of Lebanese President Michel Suleiman.    

Making a toast at the event, Sargsyan expressed a gratitude for his warm reception in Lebanon, the President’s Press Office informs.  

Also, he spoke about the past history of the two peoples, the political discourse between partners Armenia and Lebanon, and the readiness to further develop interstate relations. 

“Our peoples’ connections begin from times unremembered and the Armenian presence in Lebanon is measured with centuries. Armenians have had their undeniable involvement in Lebanon’s struggle to free itself from the Ottoman Empire.    

In my deep conviction, the Armenian and Lebanese people are more than just friends. During the most difficult time [that is, the years of the Armenian Genocide]  in the history of the Armenian people, Lebanon became a beacon of salvation for thousands of Armenians who were dispossessed from their homeland. [And] The continuing existence of Lebanon’s Armenian community is the best testimony of my words.

Several of the largest Armenian spiritual, cultural, and education centers abroad are formed in Lebanon, and they play an important role in Armenian preservation in the diaspora,” President Serzh Sargsyan specifically said during the formal dinner.