RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Vahram Dumanyan received Minister of Youth and Sports of the Lebanese Republic Vartine Ohanian accompanied by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon to Armenia Maya Dagher and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon Vahagn Atabekyan. The meeting was also attended by ESCS Deputy Ministers Arthur Martirosyan and Karen Giloyan.

Welcoming the visit of his colleague, Minister Vahram Dumanyan expressed gratitude to the Lebanese Government for the participation in the events dedicated to the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with the official delegation. Referring to the difficulties the two countries faced in 2020, the Minister of Education and Science expressed confidence that they will be overcome due to targeted work. In this context the Minister highlighted the Armenian-Lebanese collaboration, offering to expand the opportunities for the implementation of joint programs in the fields of youth and sports with the aim of consistent development. “Historically our peoples have established warm and friendly relations, which is a firm basis for the implementation of interstate programs, strengthening and further development of existing cooperation. Our bilateral relations have great potential, which we can successfully be integrated in the fields of youth and sports,” noted the Minister.

Vartine Ohanian thanked for the reception and conveyed greetings and best wishes of the President of Lebanon Michel Aoun.

“The Armenian-Lebanese relations have always been characterized by mutual trust and willingness to assist each other. I am sure that our collaboration will further strengthen and develop thanks to our joint efforts. We highly appreciate the experience of Armenia in the field of youth and sports and are ready to cooperate in these fields,” said Vartine Ohanian and emphasized the key role of the Lebanese-Armenian community in bilateral relations.

The parties discussed the challenges the youth of the two countries face, the issues and ways of overcoming them. The ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan informed that the RA Strategy of the State Youth Policy is currently being developed, and the working group pays special attention to the relations with the Diaspora, the possibilities of holding interstate youth forums. According to the Deputy Minister, this format will enhance the Armenian-Lebanese relations.

Referring to the possible options for cooperation in the field of sports, the parties discussed the possibility of holding joint training camps and seminars for athletes of the two countries. ESCS Deputy Minister Karen Giloyan expressed willingness to present the sports infrastructure of Armenia, to which Vartine Ohanian agreed with pleasure. The partners inquired of the preparations of the athletes of the two countries for the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo and wished each other success in the main sports tournament.

The parties also exchanged views on educational reforms, strengthening cultural ties, the Armenian community of Lebanon and Armenian schools in Lebanon, and reached an agreement on signing a letter of intent for cooperation in the coming days, thus making practical steps to deepen the ties.