YEREVAN, AUGUST 30, ARMENPRESS. The closing ceremony of the 8th stage of Ari Tun program for the Diaspora-Armenian youth 2014 by the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia was held in Tzaghkadzor’s Ari Tun camp on August 29.

The Department of Information and Telecommunication of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia informed “Armenpress” that 1071 youth from 35 countries of the world participated in the program this year. Within the framework of the program, the Diaspora-Armenian youth had an opportunity to have meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Armen Gevorgyan, the Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan, as well as clergymen and intellectuals.

“Ari Tun” program was successfully launched in 2009 with visits of over 1700 Diaspora Armenian youth in 2009-2012 from 36 countries. This year we plan to host up to 1000 youth.

The main objectives of the program are: to introduce Diaspora Armenian youth to 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.