Daghlian ended her speech by thanking Mayor Antoine Shakhtura for gladly assuming the sponsorship of the exhibition.

Mr. Shaktura took stage and said that the Lebanese-Armenians constitute an important component of the Lebanese society, and the peaceful and harmonious coexistence with Armenians in Lebanon has a decades-long history. He added that he has the honor to sponsor an exhibition of an honorable artist from Armenia.

Antoine Shakhtura talked about the current unstable political situation in Lebanon mentioning the vacant presidential seat, the accumulated garbage scenes which are a complete opposite image from the one this exhibition reflects, the image of beauty and charm. He said that the paintings reflect the true beauty of Armenia and Armenians. He ended by wishing the artist great success and vowing that the municipality of Dekweneh will continue to support Armenians and Armenian art.

In his word, the director of Hamazkayin Art Gallery Mr. Hagop Havatian said that Paravon Mirzoyan’s value doesn’t only lie in his beautiful paintings. He said that Mirzoyan is a great teacher of Armenian art and thanks to his efforts a large number of students studying his paintings are learning the mysteries and techniques of Armenian art.

Havatian wished the artist fruitful years and good luck in his mission.

Taking advantage of the opportunity presented, Havatian greeted the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon Ashot Kocharyan on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic responsibility. He said that Ambassador Ashot Kocharyan, during the past six years, has provided the support of the Embassy in service of the spread of the Armenian culture within Lebanese-Armenian and Lebanese communities. On this occasion, Havatian invited the Hamazkayin Art gallery Executive Chair Sarkis Armenian who presented Ambassador Ashot Kocharyan with a memento as an expression of gratitude.

Havatian ended his word by thanking Mayor Antoine Shakhtura.
Ambassador Ashot Kocharyan in his turn said that during the past six years he had witnessed diverse events. In all cases, the cooperation with the Embassy has always been efficient and purposeful. He added that it gives him great pride when artists like Paravon Mirzoyan who have global reputation come from Armenia. Exhibitions organized in different European countries are evidence of the talent, style and unbending will of the Armenian people.

Kocharian congratulated the artist on the exhibition and wished him success. He also thanked all bodies, directors, and individual friends who have always shown warm attitude toward the embassy.

Artist Paravon Mirzoyan talked about his impressions of his first visit to Lebanon. He said that it have always been difficult for Armenians to live in foreign lands, but he believes that the great art can only be created in the homeland.

At the end of his speech, Mirzoyan thanked everyone who took part in organizing the exhibition.