Your trusted source

“Lebanon is among Armenia’s closest friends. The two countries and peoples are connected by numerous historical and cultural ties,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told a cabinet meeting on Thursday, extending condolences to the families of those killed in the Beirut explosion.

The premier wished a speedy recovery to the injured, stressing that Armenia cannot remain indifferent to the needs of the brotherly people of Lebanon and the Armenian community of Beirut.

"The Republic of Armenia has expressed its readiness to assist in overcoming the impact of the tragedy that befell the city. We will exert our best efforts to support the Lebanese government. The Armenian government is in constant contact with the government of Lebanon and [Armenian] community structures through the Foreign Ministry and the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs,” the PM said, adding Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has opened a special account for money transfers in the Central Bank for all those who want to make an individual donation.

Pashinyan said that High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan will travel to Beirut and assess the needs of the Armenian community on the ground.

Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, said, in turn, that preparations are already underway to deliver humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. He noted that the support program will be completed later on Thursday.

"Most likely, the flight from Armenia to Beirut will take place on Saturday," Avinyan said.