President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is on a working visit to Portugal, had a meeting with representatives of the local Armenian community at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, as reported the Department of Public Relations of the Staff of the President of the Republic of Armenia.

“You are a small community, but Calouste Gulbenkian was just one person with a powerful national identity. He was a globally creative businessman and established companies from scratch. Gulbenkian was truly a creator,” Armen Sarkissian said.

Sarkissian emphasized that Gulbenkian was not only a big businessman, but also a great master in human relations. “In reality, it was impossible to create something tremendous from nothing without being a person with a great understanding of different cultures. Gulbenkian was an Armenian who bore world culture and the so-called culture of negotiating. If Calouste Gulbenkian didn’t do business, perhaps he would be one of the best diplomats of the world,” Armen Sarkissian stated.

He also talked about Gulbenkian’s high taste and his love for the arts.

“I can go on and on about Gulbenkian since he was a genius, but first and foremost, Calouste Gulbenkian was a great Armenian. He was an Armenian not only by origin, but also with his mindset and his activities,” the President said, emphasizing that it is obvious that he had to pay a visit to the Foundation and meet with the Armenian community during the visit to Portugal.

Addressing the members of the Armenian community of Portugal, Armen Sarkissian said the following: “I am certain that each of you will eventually return to Armenia someday. You will return and share your success. You will return with your children and bring them back to the homeland because they are our future and our greatest asset,” President Armen Sarkissian said.