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The Chair of Armenian Ancient and Medieval Literature and its Teaching Methods of the Faculty of Philology at the Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) today held a lecture devoted to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Serbia.
On this occasion, the ASPU hosted Ambassador of Serbia to Armenia Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in the Republic of Armenia, writer, translator and publicist Babken Simonyan.
ASPU Vice-Rector for Education Mariam Ispiryan provided a historical background of the centuries-old ties between Armenia and Serbia in the areas of culture and education, the diplomatic relations and gladly noted that the relationship is currently on strong foundations.
Ispiryan emphasized that this is not the first time that the Armenian State Pedagogical University is touching upon Armenian-Serbian cultural ties, adding that what attests to this are the reciprocal lectures, the fact that Serbian Professor Budimir Aleksic is among the editors of the ASPU Scientific Bulletin and the presentation of the Serbian version of the book about the Armenian city of Ani that ASPU Professor Aelita Dolukhanyan translated in Serbia. “I fully hope that the students participating in this event will attach importance to the literary and cultural ties between Armenia and Serbia and, through their academic and pedagogical activities, will ensure further uplift for the centuries-old historical-cultural heritage,” Mariam Ispiryan remarked.
Dean of the ASPU Faculty of Philology Ashot Galstyan seconded her, saying that this is not the first time that the Faculty of Philology is touching upon the Armenian-Serbian relations since today marked another event devoted to the relations, and corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, Professor Aelita Dolukhanyan attaches importance to the role of great friend of the Faculty Babken Simonyan, who is devoted to his work.
The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in the Republic of Armenia, writer, translator and publicist believes that diplomacy is worth nothing, if culture is not part of it. He noted that Armenia needs cultural diplomacy now more than ever. Through photos, Simonyan presented the remarkable events that have taken place throughout the past 30 years following establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, starting from official relations and ending with relations in the scientific, educational, spiritual and cultural spheres. He emphasized that all these events fostered the establishment of the strong relations between the two countries and their friendship. Babken Simonyan highlighted the fact that Ambassador of Serbia to Armenia Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković, who fortunately, is not just an Ambassador carrying out her diplomatic mission, but a person who is a fan of literature and culture, always attends the events that are organized.
Serbia’s Ambassador to Armenia Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković says she is glad to be a part of the 30-year history of Armenian-Serbian relations, adding that it was through her efforts that Serbia opened its embassy in Armenia.
As a matter of fact, she is the first Ambassador of Serbia to Armenia. Tatjana Panajotović Cvetković mentioned that she has been involved in diplomacy for the past 30 years, has been in the West and East and has gained partners in different countries, but in Armenia she feels at home and is in love with the country. She noted that the historical and diplomatic relations between Armenia and Serbia are very in-depth since the two peoples have a lot in common, which brings them closer together.
The Ambassador added that both countries have faced very harsh times and many hardships throughout history, but have always struggled, and even though they still face challenges, the Ambassador is certain that the Armenians and Serbians will do everything they can to make sure the countries succeed and become powerful.
The Ambassador stated that the Embassy is carrying out various educational programs. She added that the Embassy is planning to hold Serbian language courses and didn’t rule out the role and active participation of the Armenian State Pedagogical University. She praised Babken Simonyan and highly appreciated his literary activities and the cumbersome work that he has done to help bring Armenia and Serbia closer together.
The lecture featured the showing of videos, performances of Serbian and Armenian patriotic songs, as well as the “Prayer to God” by Babken Simonyan.
At the end of the meeting, writer, translator and publicist Babken Simonyan gifted copies of his book “I Know Who I Am” to the attendees.
