Speaker of the Armenian parliament Hovik Abrahamyan and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on Thursday visited the American University in Sharjah to attend the awarding ceremony of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.

The event was attended by Armenia’s Ambassador to UAE Gegham Gharibjanyan, high ranking guests, representatives of the Armenian community of UAE.

Abrahamyan on behalf of the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan awarded Sheikh a medal for his contribution to strengthening of friendly ties between Armenia and UAE.

“I am honored to stay in Sharjah, which is considered the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is honor for me to present a state award on behalf of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan to a famous scholar and statesman who is doing everything to enrich and preserve cultural values. And it is not only about Arabic, but also about the Armenian culture,” Abrahamyan said.

He said Armenia attaches great importance to developing relations with the United Arab Emirates.

“History of Armenian-UAE friendship is a bright example of tolerance and dialogue between cultures and religions. Amazing Armenian church in Sharjah embodies warm attitude towards the Armenians,” Abrahamyan emphasized.

Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly on behalf of the Armenian authorities invited Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to visit Armenia.

During the ceremony, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II addressed the participants.

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi thanked Serzh Sargsyan for a state award and expressed his willingness to continue promoting the development and strengthening of friendly relations between Armenia and the UAE.