While on a working visit to Israel, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian visited the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where they were hosted by Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and Mrs. Irina Nevzlin.

Edelstein expressed confidence that Sarkissian's visit, as well as Armenia’s decision to open an embassy in Israel, would be an important cornerstone for the further development of bilateral relations.

President Sarkissian noted that he had been at the bases for Armenia’s establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, highlighting Israel's experience in various fields, as well as the exchange of experience.

Sarkissian said that the similarities between the two peoples' destinies are impressive, and they prompt us to think about the future.

Noting that many chapters of history are tragic for both the Armenian and Jewish peoples, President Sarkissian said efforts should be combined in order to prevent such humanitarian catastrophes from happening again. The Armenian President also raised the issue of Armenian Genocide recognition by the Israeli Knesset, stressing that recognition and condemnation of this shameful chapter in history should not be conditioned by today's political interests and realities.

At the end of the visit, the President of Armenia made a note in the Knesset guestbook. Afterwards, President Sarkissian and Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian toured the Israeli parliament building.