June 19, 2009 - 17:00 AMT
Syrian first lady visited Hayastan All Armenian Fund
Syrian first lady Asma al-Asad and Executive Director of Hayastan All Armenian Fund Ara Vardanyan have today met in Yerevan. The meeting was also attended by RA first lady Rita Sargsyan and Foreign Minister's spouse Natalia Nalbandyan.

At the guest's request, the fund structure, principles and work experience were introduced. Parties also touched upon fund raising mechanisms. After watching the film devoted to the fund's activities, Ara Vardanyan answered Asma al-Asad's questions.

As mentioned by Syrian first lady, Armenian and Syrians are similar in that they both have big diaspora communities. Apart from the 18 million Syrians living in their homeland, there are 15 million others living beyond its borders. As noted by Mrs. al-Asad, Syrians often express willingness to make investments in their country's economy, hence an institution like Hayastan All Armenian Fund may help realize a number of projects.

At the end of the meeting, Mrs. al-Asad invited Ara Vardanyan to Syria to introduce the fund's activities in more detail.