Remarks By Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the celebration of 25th anniversary of Komitas Switzerland-Armenia humanitarian organization (KASA)

Remarks By Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the celebration of 25th anniversary of Komitas Switzerland-Armenia humanitarian organization (KASA)

La Tour-de-Peilz, 20 August, 2022

Distinguished Monique Bondolfi, the President of Association and the Foundation,

Distinguished Dario Bondolfi, founding member of Association and the Foundation,

Honorable KASA family,

Ladies and gentlemen,

At the outset I would like to extend my wholehearted congratulations for the 25^th anniversary of KASA. I would also like to thank you for this opportunity to celebrate together the 25 years of KASA's commitment, dedication and most valuable contribution to Armenia.

About 100 years ago, a famous Armenian writer, public figure and politician Avetis Aharonian published a book entitled "A Swiss village". It is a travelogue reflecting the author's very own experience in Switzerland, which he called "a happy land, where laughter is so abundant that crying has become unintelligible". Avetis Aharonian was dreaming of turning Armenia into exactly such a country by making best use of the Swiss practices, knowledge, proficiency and experience.

Those who are familiar with the history of Armenia know that there is now a chance to fulfil what was not possible to do 100 years ago. The activities of KASA truly have the same objective as Mr. Aharonian's vision was 100 years ago - to act as a bridge between the Swiss excellence and the development of Armenia.

KASA was originally launched as a humanitarian initiative to support Armenians in need, but today it has developed into a dynamic structure which looks for long-term and sustainable solutions rather than immediate support. It contributes to the development of quality education and training programs, social and solidarity economy, in particular in the fields of agriculture, tourism and hospitality services, and social entrepreneurship.

The list of the projects run by KASA in Armenia is amazing. It is so long that one could easily lose the count trying to enumerate all of them. However, they have one common objective - and it is the sustainable development of Armenia.

I am sure today we will hear references to and discuss many of those projects. Allow me to highlight only few of them, not because they are the largest or most impactful ones, but because they are indicative to the whole operation of KASA.

First and foremost, it is the unwavering and valuable focus ever since the inception of KASA on Gyumri. Needless to say, that Gyumri has been a cultural heart of the Republic of Armenia. It is, meanwhile, a region of Armenia that has been most badly hit by the socio-economic difficulties, due to the repercussions of the devastating earthquake and the turmoil following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Hence, the development of the region, tackling the challenges it faces, restoration of its proud traditions is of utmost importance when it comes to the development of Armenia. Today Gyumri is reviving and rapidly evolving. It became one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Armenia, exactly due to the years of contribution that KASA and many others invested in this wonderful city.

Another initiative of KASA that I would like to draw your attention to is the book entitled "Sacred Stones of Armenia" dedicated to the Armenian architectural masterpieces. I got a few copies of the book upon my arrival to Switzerland and ever since I keep it on my desk. I show it to my guests and present it as a gift to my most important interlocutors. One should be proud of having such a rich cultural heritage, and this album is a good showcase for it. It is also essential to propagate those proud traditions to our new generations especially at diaspora, in order to ensure the continuity and strength of our national identity. This noble objective should not come as a surprise for the very special organization that bears the name of great Komitas Vardapet in its heading.

And this brings me to my last point. I would like to particularly appreciate the huge contribution that KASA is extending to the education and empowerment of the Armenian youth. KASA has enthusiastically assumed the mission of encouraging young people to retain their agency and bring about a positive change to their communities and society. The meaningful investment in the minds and hearts of the young generation is probably the most strategic and impactful contribution for the development of a truly modern, resilient and vibrant societies.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am sure that the 25^th anniversary is just a brief stopover to reflect on the KASA's wonderful journey. The seeds that you have planted will continue to best serve the interests of Armenia for many years ahead. I am confident that with joint efforts of all those who have this objective we will be able to create our own Armenian "happy land", as it has been aspired and coveted by Avetis Aharonian and many others. The Swiss quality and proficiency are the most reliable partners that one could desire.

I would like to conclude by once again congratulating KASA for its tireless, devoted and most effective endeavors.

I thank you.

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