YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The photo exhibition dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh and headlined “Armenia, my eternal love” opened by the joint efforts of the Ministry of Diaspora of Armenia and “Armenpress” news agency in the Russian cities with major Armenian communities will foster Armenia-Diaspora ties and contribute to the preservation of the Armenian identity, priest of local Armenian community in Volgograd Maghakia Ohanyan told during the opening ceremony on September 27.

The priest congratulated the Armenian community on the anniversary of the independence and highlighted the organization of similar exhibitions. “I wish the Armenian communities in different Russian cities to be reinforced thank to similar events. We must always feel the “breath” of Armenia in our communities”, Maghakia Ohanyan said.

Diaspora Ministry official Sargis Aleksanyan conveyed the message of Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan. “For 25 years Armenia and the Diaspora have been edifying the Motherland, shaping a firm and independent statehood, struggling for a peaceful and beautiful future. This exhibition is a brilliant opportunity for all of us to gather under one roof and look back at the past 25 years and appreciate it”.

“Armenpress news agency attaches great importance to holding similar events in Armenian communities of the Diaspora”. Advisor to the director of the agency Hayk Hakobyan stated that the agency possessing one of the richest photo archives in Armenia has always been a forerunner in preserving the Armenian identity. According to Hakobyan, the exhibition is unprecedented in the sense that the photos illustrate almost all the important events that took place after Armenia’s independence.

“This exhibition is a wonderful occasion for recalling the achievements of Armenia during the 25 years of independence. We can see the photo of national hero Yura Poghosyan here, who arrived in Artsakh from Volgograd just at the beginning of Artsakh war and sacrificing his life contributed to the victory of Armenians”,Hakobyan said.  

The exhibition is comprised of 7 thematic sections: “Independence – a top value”, “The difficult victory”, “The national heroes”, “We remember and demand”, “Reliance of Armenia”, “Armenia – country of faith: pilgrimage to first Christian country”, “Meetings of the Armenian President”. Nearly 100 photos are exhibited. 

“It was a great honor and responsibility for “Armenpress” news agency to organize this exhibition. We are thankful to our partners from the Ministry of Diaspora for managing to fulfill this crucially important project. The restoration of independence of the Republic of Armenia and the Artsakh liberation war have a historical significance for our people, and it is of vital importance that both our compatriots in Russia and the citizens of our friendly and allied country are able to familiarize themselves with the chronicle of Armenia and Artsakh with the help of “Armenpress” photo archive and better comprehend the values and achievements of the Armenian people, as well as see the bright future that awaits all of us”, Director of “Armenpress” Aram Ananyan said.

A similar exhibition is planned to be held in Krasnodar in October, 2016.