Azad-Hye special
?
Abu Dhabi: Several hundred UAE Armenians and a number of senior foreign diplomats gathered to celebrate a new milestone in Armenia ? UAE relations, the inauguration of the new Armenian Embassy building in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 12 December 2007.
?
The Armenian President was in UAE last time in 2002. After the long awaited visit, excitement and joy filled the Embassy's courtyard when the President's entourage approached the gates of the Embassy and building dedication ceremony commenced.
?
In a true custom expressing hospitality, the Armenian delegation was greeted with bread and salt, presented by young Armenians dressed in traditional attire. President Robert Kocharian was accompanied by Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Armenia, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marri, UAE Non- Resident Ambassador to Armenia, Vahagn Melikian, Armenian Ambassador to the UAE and a number of other high ranking officials.
?
Ambassador Melikian, was the first to speak. He praised and thanked UAE authorities, especially of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for providing the location to set up the embassy, the foundation stone of which was laid three years ago. Melikian also recognized and thanked those in the Armenian community who have made large economic and material contributions to the building. Speaking in Arabic, Vartan Oskanian, who attended the initial ceremony of laying the foundation in 2005, also gave acknowledgements to the UAE authorities and spoke of improving ties of cooperation between Armenia and the UAE.
?
In what once seemed a dream, became a reality. The Diplomatic Quarter, where the new Embassy building is located, transformed into Armenia for a day, when the building was inaugurated with the blessing of His Grace Archbishop Goriun Babian, Catholicosal Representative (Vicar) of the Diocese of Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf countries and Rev. Fr. Aram Dekermendjian, UAE Parish Priest. To the sound of Armenian national anthem, Minister Vartan Oskanian and Ambassador Vahagn Melikian raised the national flag of Armenia. The Embassy was officially opened with a cutting of red ribbon by President Kocharian.
?
Following the inauguration, the Armenian leader toured and inspected different sections of the embassy. The ceremony was concluded with the President, Foreign Minister and the Ambassador holding a brief meeting on the grounds of the Embassy with the representatives of the Armenian community.
?
Later the same day, a private dinner was held between Armenian delegation and a number of people from the Armenian community in Emirates Palace.?
?
Read in Azad-Hye:
?
?
Photos (click to enlarge):
?
