Ashotian: Armenian-Ukrainian relations above any political assessments

The 200th anniversary of Ukrainian writer Taras Shevchenko was marked today at Yerevan school No 42. Acting Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotian and representatives of the Ukrainian embassy in Armenia were present at the festive occasion.

“A wonderful class after Taras Shevchenko is opening at the school today. I think such events make a great contribution to the development of Armenian-Ukrainian ties. I am sure that our generations will be brought up on Shevchenko’s ideals. They will always remember the friendship that connects our two friendly nations,” said Igor Roman, representative of Ukrainian Ambassador Ivan Kukhta.

Armen Ashotian stated for his part that Armenian-Ukrainian relations are above any political assessments and these relations have a centuries-old history.

“I am glad that there is a school after Taras Shevchenko in Yerevan. Its existence and today’s event show that Armenian-Ukrainian relations are in no danger,” the acting minister said.

“These relations are not just the past and the vague present. In reality it is the future because, despite any political opinions and problems, there have never been any obstacles endangering our friendship, nor will any obstacles be in the future,” Ashotian noted.

In his words, the Ukrainian people deserve peace and prosperity.

During the event, Taras Shevchenko school pupils presented episodes from the writer’s life and scenes from his works and sang Ukrainian folk songs.