On April 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian received the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon Gebran Bassil, who is heading a delegation to represent Lebanon at the commemoration events of the Armenian Genocide Centenary. The delegation includes Lebanese Energy and Water Resources Minister Arthur Nazarian and Minister of Education and Higher Education Elias Bou Saab.

Welcoming the guest, Minister Nalbandian stressed, that the Armenian people recalls with appreciation the warm reception by the Lebanese of Armenians, survivors of the Genocide, and commends the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in 2000.

Foreign Minister of Lebanon mentioned that it is an honour for him to represent the Government and people of Lebanon at the events held in Yerevan dedicated to the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide. Minister Bassil informed that today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon issued special Statement yet again condemning the genocide committed against the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 100 years ago. Lebanese Foreign Minister mentioned that impunity bears new crimes; heinous crimes perpetrated by the terrorists with the spirit of 100 years’ prescription across almost the same territory serve an evidence of that.

Minister of Education and Higher Education of Lebanon Elias Bou Saab, in his turn, stressed that April 24 is declared a day off in the educational institutions of Lebanon on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide Centenary.

During the meeting future steps towards development of Armenian-Lebanese relations were discussed. In this regard, importance was attached to the role of the Lebanese Armenian community, which, according to Minister Bassil, is actively engaged in political, economic and cultural life of Lebanon. Thoughts were exchanged on fostering of economic cooperation.

The Ministers appreciated discussion, entitled "Supporting the Rights of Christians, particularly in the Middle East", held on the margins of 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council in March this year, through exertion of joint efforts, together with Russia and The Holy See; and placed significance to the implementation of subsequent works in this direction.

The sides reflected on the tense situation in the Middle East and efforts towards addressing it.