As part of his working visit to the Swiss Confederation, the President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan participated in the event organized on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Center for Armenian Studies of the University of Geneva.

The Center for Armenian Studies at the University of Geneva, which has been in operation since 1974, is currently one of the rare places in Europe and the only one in Switzerland where students can receive full training in Armenian language and literature, from undergraduate to doctoral.

Valentina Calzolari, head of the chair of Armenian studies, gave an opening speech at the start of the event.

The President of the Republic, welcoming the attendees, made a speech.

"It is a great honor for me to be here to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Center for Armenian Studies at the University of Geneva. This day provides not only an opportunity to celebrate, but also an opportunity to appreciate the journey and express gratitude to all those who have contributed to the creation and development of this important educational and cultural institution.

In 2007, thanks to the Center for Armenian Studies operating at the University of Geneva since 1974. The first chair of Armenian studies in Switzerland was established at the university, becoming one of the prominent centers of preservation of the Armenian language, culture and heritage.

Today, the Armenian Studies Research Center unites people interested in the Armenian language, literature, culture and heritage, not remaining a part of the cultural life of Geneva. It is a unique bridge between the societies of Armenia and Switzerland, strengthening the long-standing friendship of our two peoples.

The day's meeting does not end with the celebration of the academic chair's jubilee. Today, we re-appreciate the resilient Armenian culture and rich language and literature, which, through the trials of millennia, have become intertwined with world culture while maintaining their original character.

From the adoption of Christianity to the invention of writing, from the golden age of Armenian culture to the present day, the Armenian language and culture have played an invaluable role in the establishment and development of Armenian statehood.

Today, it is impossible to underestimate the traditional role of Armenian studies centers operating in different corners of the world in neutralizing attempts to falsify history, preserving and documenting endangered cultural heritage and now digitizing the rich Armenian heritage. These centers make Armenia and the Armenian people recognizable to the whole world, allowing to study Armenian culture and literature in Armenian, to gain comprehensive knowledge not only about Armenian culture, but also about other cultures from Armenian-language sources.

Today, when cultural cooperation is an integral part of our daily life, I would like to emphasize the importance of cooperation between Armenian studies institutions. In this regard, I would like to single out the head of the Geneva Center for Armenian Studies and Chair, Mrs. Valentina Calzolari's contribution to both the creation and maintenance of the center and the chair, as well as the unification of Armenian studies centers operating in different parts of the world.

I am confident that in the future, the Armenian Studies Chair of the University of Geneva will continue to be a source of inspiration for students, researchers and those simply interested in Armenian culture. Allow me to express my deep gratitude to all those who contribute to the life of the department: faculty, university staff and, of course, students. Your contribution to the establishment and development of the chair is invaluable. Today, I want not only to appreciate your work for these fifty years, but also to look to the future, confident that future generations will also have the opportunity to study the Armenian language, Armenian literature and Armenian culture.

I congratulate all of us on this memorable day, wishing new achievements and new successes."