YEREVAN, MARCH 26, ARMENPRESS: Former Ambassador of Argentina to Armenia Mariano Vergara was awarded with the commemorative medal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia for his significant contribution to the development and strengthening of relations between Armenia and Argentina.

The award was handed over by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Davit Karapetyan. The ceremony took place on March 25 at the Embassy of Armenia in Argentina and was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Argentina, Hovhannes Virabyan and Consul Ruzanna Azroyan.

''Thanks to his personal dedication, Vergara has brought about changes, contributing to the strengthening of relations between our countries," Diario Armenia quoted Armenian Ambassador to Argentina Hovhannes Virabyan as saying. The Ambassador reminded that, with Vergara's efforts, the Chamber of Commerce of Argentina in Armenia has been founded.

The Armenian Ambassador to Argentina also emphasized that Vergara carried out his diplomatic mission in Armenia during a difficult period for Armenia. 

"It is impossible not to emphasize Ambassador Vergara's actions during the moments of crisis. He was deeply involved in the events taking place in Armenia, visited the refugees and always demonstrated human qualities that go far beyond the scope of mere professional activity," Ambassador Virabyan said.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Davit Karapetyan, said: "We are deeply grateful for the support shown by the Argentine Republic at the highest level in such difficult times for our state. Vergara managed to convey the truth about Armenia and the Armenian people, and this fact contributed to Argentina's involvement.

Thus, by awarding Vergara, Armenia not only expresses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' appreciation for her excellent professional activity in Armenia but also the gratitude and friendship of the Armenian people.

During the ceremony, Mariano Vergara emphasized that Armenia is facing very difficult times. "It is a country that has been attacked, has become a victim of occupation, its villages have been invaded, and its memory is being tried to be erased," said Vergara. He spoke about the ethnic cleansing that took place in Nagorno-Karabakh, stressing that he was in Syunik during those days and witnessed what happened, which he cannot forget.

"I am convinced that Armenia's struggle is for their culture, their way of life, to preserve their memory," Vergara said.