YEREVAN, AUGUST 19, ARMENPRESS. The last 8th stage of “ARI TUN” 2014 program of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia was launched on August 19. As "Armenpress" was informed from the Department of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Diaspora, on behalf of the Minister of Diaspora, Deputy Minister Serzh Srapionayn welcomed the participants. He particularly noted: "I am pleased to convey to you the greetings of the Minister. Your dream has become a reality, and you're already in the homeland. The days that you spend in Armenia, will become unforgettable, the relationship with new friends will continue, and the scope of the friends both in number and territory will grow. You will also learn Armenian, which is very important. Armenian is the symbol of our national identity. While in the homeland these days try to communicate only in Armenian."

45 young boys and girls aged 13 to 18 from Russia, Georgia, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Lebanon, Syria have arrived in Armenian to participate in the last 8th stage of “ARI TUN” 2014 program.

During 9 days of their visit the participants will be introduced to the Armenian history, culture, public life, religion and family traditions; build strong relations with the Homeland; reinforce national self-determination and establish friendly relations between youth of Armenia and the Diaspora.

The event program includes visits to major historical-cultural sites in Armenia, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, plays, as well as instruction of Armenian language, literature, dance, history and church traditions. The important component of the program is active contacts between youth of Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as meetings with prominent state and public figures.

“ARI TUN” program was successfully launched in 2009 with visits of over 1700 Diaspora Armenian youth in 2009-2012 from 36 countries.