Armenia’s President Armen Sargsyan today hosted Primate of the Shirak Diocese, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan.

President Sargsyan congratulated the leader of the Shirak Diocese on receiving the honor of becoming an archbishop and noted that this is the appreciation of his merit and his love for and devotion to the homeland and the Armenian Church.

In his turn, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan congratulated Armen Sargsyan on the first anniversary of his election to President of the Republic of Armenia and stated that it was a great honor for him to be the first guest of the President at his new residence.

President Sargsyan informed about his conversation with the UNESCO Secretary-General about having the historic center of Gyumri under the patronage of the UNESCO. “This will not allow anyone to encroach upon historic structures in Gyumri and will provide the opportunity to implement certain programs and provide funding for central Gyumri,” he said.

Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan agreed with the President that the historic center of Gyumri needs to be saved and look as marvelous as it used to look, especially if Armenia wants to boost tourism.

The President also attached primary importance to employment. “If people have jobs, they can purchase homes or apartments with their earnings,” Armen Sargsyan said.

Noting the fact that Armenia has all the favorable conditions and opportunities to solve the current problems in at least two or three years, the interlocutors shared the view that Gyumri can make a great contribution to Armenia’s development with its potential.