'Armenia' square was opened during the birth period

On 7 May 2022 in Trionex city of the Geneva area the solemn inauguration ceremony of "Armenia" Square took place in front of the Armenian Apostolic St. Hakob Church and the Armenian cultural center. The Ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland Andranik Hovhannisyan, the Mayor of Trionex Guy Lavorel, the President of the "St. Gregory the Illuminator" Foundation Daniel Papazyan delivered congratulatory speeches. Ambassador Hovhannisyan, in particular, thanked the mayor of Trionex and the members of the city council, as well as the representatives of the Armenian community, due to whose efforts the "Armenia" square was opened.

The event was attended by deputies of the Geneva and Troinex regional and city councils, politicians and public figures, representatives of the Armenian community.

Remarks

By Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan

at the inauguration of the "Armenia" square at Troinex

7 May 2022

Very Reverend Father,

Distinguished Mayor,

Members of the Municipal Councils,

My fellow Armenians,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me at the outset to congratulate all of us with the opening of the Armenia square at Troinex. It is a remarkable occasion for this beautiful and hospitable community, as well as for all Armenians living in the Geneva area, in Switzerland and beyond. It is symbolic that the Square that will from now on bear the name "Armenia", is inaugurated in front of the Armenian church and the Armenian cultural center - the two pillars of the Armenian identity.

It is often said that the "tree is as strong as its roots". The roots of a nation lay in the strong foundation of its faith, culture and education. Our forefathers were wise enough to cement those national pillars of ours centuries ago by adopting Christianity as a first nation in the world to do so on the State level. It was further complemented by the invention of our own unique alphabet and development of our national schools and literary traditions. The Armenian nation survived through calamities that it beheld, and preserved its identity for centuries having these strong foundations as a safeguard from any kind of threats and challenges.

Therefore, inauguration of the Armenian Square in front of the Church and the School also symbolizes the continuity of the Armenian traditions and the significance that my nation attaches to these institutions. What makes it different now, is that the Armenian Church and the School will have also an Armenia-related postal address.

This is also very indicative of Armenians. There are Armenian streets, squares and neighborhoods in many parts of the world. From now on, the Armenian square at Troinex will stand in the same line with the Armenian landmarks such as the "Armenia" subway station in San Paolo, "Yerevan Park" in Paris, "Armenian Alley" in Moscow, "Armenierplatz" in Vienna, and many more others.

I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank the city council of Troinex and in particular distinguished Mayor for this decision to name the Square after Armenia and for all the valuable assistance they made to this end. We highly appreciate your kind support.

I would also like to extend gratitude to the representatives of the Armenian community, who came up with this idea and have vastly contributed to its realization. The Swiss-Armenian community is one of the well-established and respected Armenian presences in the world. It has a proud history that is more than 100-years long, which has been marked with numerous remarkable achievements. The inauguration of the "Armenia" square is also a token of the recognition extended to its contribution to the Swiss nation and society.

The opening of the Square also coincides with another important milestone: it is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of inter-State relations between Armenia and Switzerland that we celebrate these days. The opening of the "Armenia" square is a symbolic gift in this regard.

In conclusion, I would like to wish that this Square, and this Church, and the School witness as many celebrations ahead as possible.

Thank you.

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