YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on December 4 took part in the gala dinner organized on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in the “Armenia Marriott” hotel, press service of the Presidential administration told “Armenpress”.

President Sargsyan delivered a speech at the event and addressed his congratulatory message to the AGBU members and all participants of the event.

“Starting its activity at the beginning of the last century, the Armenian General Benevolent Union with its 150 local organizations carried out for 110 years and, I am sure, will carry out indispensable activity. If now I start to list all the programs, the carried out activity, I would almost say nothing. The word indispensable, I think, characterizes at best the activity which was carried out by a group of people at a right time, they found the right path by which they greatly contributed to the preservation of the Armenian identity, as well as to the being of Armenia, and in general, the Armenian people.

What is the difference between the General Benevolent Union and the remaining all organizations? I think, first of all, those people, be they representatives of central administration or just members, benefactors, they never had any expectations and moved forward by very simple charity rules. They never expected someone to express gratitude to them for the charity. They never searched for a problem, any occasion to limit their activity which is vital for us. They never had any problem with any leadership. This is an extremely important factor”, the President said.

The President stated that the AGBU is an unselfish benevolent and through this approach it carries out the development projects of Armenia and Armenian people. Serzh Sargsyan wished the AGBU abundance and generosity of donors. He expressed a wish for the AGBU to be always demanded and to be able to always conduct its mission.

The President also spoke about his expectations from the AGBU by stating that he wishes that the AGBU becomes more Armenia-centered which will benefit both the Union and its all beneficiaries. President Sargsyan expressed a wish that the Union keeps major part of its resources in Armenia, that has a stable financial system, by this receiving more benefits and increasing the number of charity programs.

“I want aspirations of all of us to comply. I want to debate on development ways during the free times. I want all of us, regardless of we are a President or an official, we are a businessman or a donor, to consider that this is our service, our gratitude to our people who gave birth to us”, the President said and wished the AGBU to celebrate solemnly the 200th anniversary and subsequent anniversaries.