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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II to visit a major exhibition titled “Armenia!” at New York’s Metropolitan Museum. He toured the exhibition halls to get acquainted with the best samples of Armenian art and culture dating as far back as the 4th to 17th centuries, the PM’s official website said.

Pashinyan noted that 2018 is a symbolic year for the strengthening of U.S.-Armenian cultural ties. “This year Armenian culture is being presented in the United States of America in an unprecedented manner. It will help make Armenian art and culture more identifiable and attractive for the friendly American people.

This year marks the 400 anniversary of the first ever arrival of Armenians in the United States. It was in 1618, when the first Armenian, with a name Martin reached Virginia and settled himself in Jamestown. It was the head start, later on more Armenian immigrants came, bringing with them their national traditions, lifestyle and culture.

Earlier this year, Armenian culture, customs and traditions were exhibited in the heart of the U.S. capital, Washington, DC within the framework of the Smithsonian Folk life Festival. It provided Armenian people with an opportunity to represent Armenian culture in its unique variety not only to the Americans, but also to thousands of tourists from different parts of the world.

A few weeks ago our two peoples jointly celebrated the 110th Anniversary of Pulitzer Prize-winner, playwright and writer William Saroyan. To celebrate his literary legacy, Saroyan’s Museum has been inaugurated in Fresno, the writer’s native town. As the culmination of this unprecedented cultural year for Armenia in the United States, I now have a great honor and personal joy to attend this unique exhibition - unique in many respects,” the PM said, adding that it represents an integrated Armenian culture as the representative of Western Culture and Christian Civilization.

The premier noted that the exhibition brings together the Armenian heritage of 14 centuries with its priceless masterpieces from around the world in one of the most important museums in the world. He expressed conviction that it would undoubtedly change the perception and assessment of Armenia and Armenian art in the United States.

“Due to this wonderful initiative, multiple visitors of the museum can get acquainted with the historical and cultural heritage of the nation who was the first to adopt Christianity as its state religion. More than 140 relics, illustrated manuscripts, miniatures of churches, cross-tones, printed books and other unique exhibits are displayed in the museum, among them works of such renowned authors as Toros Roslin, Sargis Pitsak, Toros Taronatsi, Hakob Jughayetsi, Grigor Tatevatsi,” PM Pashinyan said, noting that for many people this exhibition is the accomplishment of their dream. He added that it was made possible through the efforts of Mrs. Helen Evans and her partners.

The exhibition presents the best examples of Armenian art and culture from the 4th to the 17th century. The exhibition is dedicated to the Armenian people's artistic and cultural achievements in the global context. The exhibition features a total of 140 samples.