Gov. Patrick Meets with Armenian Prime Minister, Discusses Armenian-Massachusetts Ties

The following information was provided by Gov. Deval Patrick's Office:

Governor Deval Patrick today welcomed Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan to the Massachusetts State House. Prime Minister Sargsyan’s visit to Massachusetts served as an opportunity to foster Massachusetts’ global image in education and innovation and to recognize and celebrate the Armenian-American population in the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts is home to approximately 33,095 Armenian-American residents, with Watertown having the third largest Armenian community in the nation, according to 2010 data.

This visit was part of a growing economic relationship between Massachusetts and Armenia. In May, Governor Patrick welcomed a delegation of Armenian officials to Massachusetts for a ceremonial opening of the Armenian Heritage Park. Members of the delegation included Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Minister of the Diaspora Ms. Hranush Hakobyan and Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the US Mr. Tatoul Markarian.  

Governor Patrick has prioritized advancing Massachusetts’ relationships around the world in order to compete in the 21st century global economy. In addition to his meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Sargsyan, Governor Patrick yesterday met with Hungarian Ambassador to the United States Gyorgy Szapary to discuss economic collaboration between Hungary and Massachusetts. He has previously led delegations of business, academic and government leaders to Chile, Israel, the United Kingdom, and China to secure new economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth.