YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Minister of Diaspora, Hranush Hakobyan, met with French Senate member Garrio-Meilam Joël, the Diaspora Ministry press service informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.  

Upon the request of the guest, Hakobyan presented the ministry’s activities, and its actions that are aimed at preserving the Armenian identity in the diaspora. 

The minister also reflected on the importance of native languages, and noted that the ministry has declared 2013 as the year of the Armenian language. Hakobyan further informed that, in connection with UNESCO having proclaimed Thursday, February 21 as International Mother Language Day, Armenia’s Diaspora Ministry is holding a series of events devoted to the mother language.  

The spreading of the French language in Armenia, and Armenia becoming an International Organization of La Francophonie member in 2012 were noted, too.  

Hakobyan also spoke about the Armenian state policy of assisting Syrian Armenians, and the Diaspora Ministry’s relevant programs.      

At the end of the talk, Hakobyan proposed Senator Joël to carry out joint assistance programs for the Syrian Armenians that have settled in Armenia.