High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan is currently on a working visit to the Republic of Bulgaria.
On April 15, Mr. Sinanyan held a meeting in Varna with Silva Krikorian, Secretary of the Varna Municipality.
He was accompanied by Artur Hovhannisyan, Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs in Bulgaria and President of the Union of Armenians of Europe.
The meeting focused on a broad range of issues concerning the Armenian community of Varna, with particular emphasis on strengthening ties between Armenian youth and the Republic of Armenia, raising awareness of the programs implemented by the Office of the High Commissioner, and deepening connections among Armenian communities across different cities in Bulgaria.
Later that day, the High Commissioner also held meetings with Harutyun Hovsepyan, President of the Union of Armenians of Bulgaria, and members of the organization; Pastor Nerses Ketekian, Secretary of the Fellowship of Armenian Evangelical Churches in Europe; members of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Bulgaria; and Father Armen Melkonian, spiritual leader of the local Armenian parish. These engagements culminated in an expanded meeting with representatives of the Armenian community of Varna.
Discussions centered on advancing Armenia–Diaspora relations, fostering unity among Armenians living in Bulgaria, and strengthening institutional ties between the Republic of Armenia and its global Diaspora.
In his remarks, Mr. Sinanyan stressed the vital importance of unity among Armenians-both in Armenia and abroad-regardless of differences in opinion. He emphasized that collective action is essential for preserving Armenian identity and ensuring the long-term well-being of the homeland.
Special attention was given to the preservation of Armenian identity among younger generations and the need to foster their continued connection with Armenia.
The High Commissioner presented the Office’s ongoing programs and initiatives and responded to questions from the community, particularly those related to repatriation and opportunities for deeper engagement with the homeland.
As part of his visit to Varna, Mr. Sinanyan also toured the historic home of General Andranik, where the Union of Armenians of Bulgaria is planning to establish a museum in honor of the national hero. He also visited and paid tribute at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Varna.
Սփյուռքի Գլխավոր Հանձնակատարի Գրասենյակ Diaspora High Commissioner's Office
