Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa issued a statement Friday on the 20th Anniversary of Armenia’s Independence:

In his statement Mayor stressed that Armenian National Day is a historic and joyful day for Armenian people here in Los Angeles and around the world, Asbarez reports.

“As home to the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia, Los Angeles is honored to be a sister city to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan.

Our City’s Armenian population has a proud, rich and enduring heritage. We are grateful for the lasting contributions this community has made to the economic and cultural growth of Los Angeles.

I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating this momentous anniversary of Armenian independence,” the statement reads.