Promotion of statehood is one of the main challenges faced by Armenian people today, and we must rise to it, President Serzh Sargsyan said at the closure of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora conference in Yerevan.

The Armenian leader further indicated emigration as one of the main current issues, and urged countermeasures to reduce the outflow.

“I’m confident that the homeland mustn’t be a prison to an Armenian. Nor should it be a hotel. It’s in their motherland that Armenians must have their home,” the President said.

To contribute to strengthening of their homeland, President Sargsyan urged Armenians worldwide to unite in developing their professional qualities and boosting patriotism among the youth.

Sargsyan also stressed the country’s economic progress among the key priorities, hailing those who contribute to Armenia’s welfare. “Armenian leadership welcomes any initiative and is ready to provide investment opportunities, allowing Diaspora to shift from philanthropy to mutually beneficial cooperation.”

“A free and independent Armenia is a reality, and I invite you to increase your involvement in further development of your country,” the President stressed.

The Armenia-Diaspora conference hosted around 700 representatives of 150 organizations from 60 countries worldwide. The conference was held September 19-20 in Yerevan.