Washington, D.C. – Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) released the
following statement regarding his recent trip to Armenia. Rep. Costa traveled
to Armenia.

“Visiting Armenia was a
special experience that I will always hold dear and never forget,” said Rep. Costa. “The people of Armenia reminded me
of the families I had the pleasure to grow up with in California’s San Joaquin
Valley, and being in Armenia truly felt like home. Highlights of the four-day
trip included visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial and laying flowers at the
Eternal Flame, receiving a blessing from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,
His Holiness Karekin II, and speaking to students and faculty at the American
University of Armenia.”

Rep. Costa continued saying, “Additionally,
I had the opportunity to meet with the President, Foreign Minister, and
President of the National Assembly. We discussed the need for Congress and the
Administration to appropriately recognize the Armenian Genocide and ways,
through trade, education, and our shared culture, that the United States and
Armenia can continue to build our relationship.”

“Congressman Costa’s visit to
Armenia was historic and a unique experience,” said Berj Apkarian, Honorary
Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno.  “The visit provided the
opportunity to strengthen the economic, academic and cultural ties between the
Valley and the Republic of Armenia.  I am grateful to Congressman Costa
for his vision and support.”

Below is a list of what Rep.
Costa and Mr. Apkarian did during their visit to Armenia:

• Visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial
  Complex and the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute
• Met with Mr. Galust Sahakyan, President
  of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
• Met with Minister of Agriculture of the
  Republic of Armenia, Mr. Sergo Karapetyan
• Lectured at the American University of
  Armenia  
• Visited with Mother See of Holy
  Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II
• Toured St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Museum
• Met with Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, President of
  the Republic of Armenia
• Visited the Embassy of the United States
  of America to the Republic of Armenia 
• Meeting with Ambassador Richard M. Mills,
  Jr.
•  Visited the Khor Virap Monastery Complex