Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received newly appointed High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan.

“I have signed a decision on appointing you to the position of Chief Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs and I am very glad that you will have to work in Armenia. The events that took place in Armenia last year showed that tremendous changes occurred not only in Armenia, but also in its Diaspora. Definitely I can say that last year the Diaspora participated in the velvet, non-violent popular revolution that took place in Armenia.

At the same time, I can state for sure that last year the Diaspora was a full participant of the peaceful, velvet and popular revolution in Armenia.

During my overseas trips I came to a conclusion that the policy of working with the Diaspora should be changed and made more effective with the main focus placed on expanding Diaspora-based Armenians’ involvement in Homeland’s economic, social and political life, and in Artsakh, as well as on the formation and implementation of a new Armenian agenda. I am grateful that you agreed to give up your job in Glendale and come back to Armenia. This is highly emblematic.

For all those who are unaware, let us tell them that you were born in Yerevan, studied at a Yerevan school as far as the 7th grade. You are fluent in Armenian, English, Russian, and you have fair command of Spanish, which means that you can easily communicate with the Diaspora. I think there is a good opportunity to address our new tasks in the new times.

I wish you good luck as you are assuming your duties today, and I wish every success to all of us. I hope the time will testify that your appointment was truly effective,” Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

In turn, Zareh Sinanyan thanked the Prime Minister for confidence: “I feel obliged as I assume this office with a great feeling of honor and a great sense of responsibility, because as you stated above, relations between Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora imply a huge potential. The peaceful velvet revolution ushered in a new era of real and close cooperation between Armenia and the Diaspora, the results of which can be very good for both Armenia and the Diaspora.

The Diaspora represents a ready-made potential for Armenia which should be used in a simple and better way to the benefit of our homeland. Armenia, in turn, is the pledge for a stronger and richer Diaspora in some respect. Indeed, there are many problems, and I have no doubt that today’s Armenia is ready to support our compatriots in the Diaspora, like our Diaspora compatriots are prepared to back Armenia and Artsakh. Thank you for confidence. I will do everything to justify your trust”.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed issues relating to the future activities of the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.