Honorary Consulate of Armenia in Auckland officially opens

Ambassador of Armenia to New Zealand Areg Hovhannisian—with diplomatic residence in Tokyo, Japan—paid a working visit to Auckland, New Zealand, in the framework of the official opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate of Armenia in Auckland, Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned from the Embassy of Armenia in Japan.

Also, Hovhannisian attended the Divine Liturgy delivered by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Australia and New Zealand, Archbishop Haigazun Najarian. At the end of liturgy Archbishop Najarian blessed the flag of the Republic of Armenia, which was to be placed in front of the Honorary Consulate, with a special ritual.

During the reception held after the liturgy, Ambassador Hovhannisian confirmed that the opening of the consulate in New Zealand is historic also because 32 years ago on the same day—March 2, the Armenia became a member of the United Nations, and the national flag of Armenia was raised in front of the UN headquarters in New York. Also, the Ambassador congratulated newly appointed Honorary Consul Hagob Garabet, wishing him all the success, and emphasized that the Consulate can also be an important factor in the development of Armenia-Armenian diaspora relations.

The Honorary Consul of Armenia expressed his deep gratitude for the trust shown and reiterated his willingness to make every effort to justify it.

On March 3, in the presence of the Primate of the Diocese Archbishop Najarian, members of the clergy and Diocesan Council, with the participation of representatives of the Armenian community of Auckland and other cities, as well as Australia, Ambassador Hovhannisian and Honorary Consul Garabet raised the Armenian national flag in front of the Honorary Consulate of Armenia. The ceremony was followed by an official reception.

On March 4, Ambassador Hovhannisian attended the official dinner organized by the Honorary Consul, to which honorary consuls of about ten countries accredited in Auckland were invited, including the Dean of the Consular Corps, the Honorary Consul of the Cook Islands, as well as Poland, Panama, Lebanon, Finland, representatives the New Zealand Europe Business Council. The attendees warmly welcomed the establishment of the Honorary Consulate of Armenia and expressed their willingness to support and cooperate with Honorary Consul Hagob Garabet.