There are similarities in the most basic things. This is love toward family, friendship, homeland, hospitability and open heartedness. In regard to the differences, I’d say they are more superficial; for instance architecture, music, shape of churches. There is difference in terms of appearance, but in terms of values there are many similarities. For example, Armenians drink coffee more and the Argentineans drink mate, we listen to tango, you – to Khachaturian.

You have been in Armenia for almost a year. Have you already managed to familiarize yourself with the Armenian culture and cuisine? What impressed you the most?

One of the most incredible things in the life of each individual is the meeting with a thousand-year culture. You realize that no matter how much you read, you have lots of things to learn from that culture. The taste of the food, the sound of musical instruments especially the “duduk” impressed me a lot, I was amazed by Armenian architectural monuments, their unique shape. I am greatly impressed by Armenian carpets, their patterns and process of their creation. The sound of the “duduk” and Argentinean tango have almost the same expressiveness: they both reveal nostalgic mood. They play music of nostalgia.

It is usual in Armenia to perceive Argentina as a friendly state in Latin America. How is Armenia perceived in Argentina?

Argentineans perceive Armenians in two ways: first of all the culture that is very rich and powerful, and the Armenian community in Argentina. Armenians are perceived as strong, united people and for that reason respect toward Armenians and Armenia is an important value for us. The society in Argentina unlike the one in Armenia is diverse. One of the most surprising traits of Armenians is that they preserve their identity in that diversity, simultaneously taking that diversity. There was an Armenian restaurant near my house and I visited it and ate Armenian food with great pleasure. All Armenian has a really big presence in Argentina: there are more than 24 monuments dedicated to Armenia and the Armenian Genocide. There are 10 streets in Buenos Aires having Armenian names.

 Mr. Ambassador Armenia has become a state constantly speaking about peace, dialogue and condemning of crimes against humanity.  Argentina carries out serious work in Latin America in the direction of prevention of crimes against humanity and protection of human rights. Do you see any possibilities of cooperation in this sphere?

Armenia and Argentina had different histories, but they have similarities. The pain of the people and the protection of human rights are the two points linking the peoples of the two countries. Struggle against crimes toward humanity, fight for justice are the spheres that are reflected in the decisions made within the foreign policy of the states. Naturally, the two countries carry out serious activities in that sphere.

I’d like to draw a parallel between the two happenings. Currently what happens in the Middle East-  the refugee issues. Does not it in reality repeat the history of Armenians 100 years ago when Armenians were looking for asylum throughout the whole world?  Don’t you think that if genocides against Armenians or other peoples had been condemned in due time, crimes against humanity would have reduced and the value of humans would be much more appreciated.

We must struggle against painful incidents to prevent humanity from walking through that history again. And the issue of human rights is one of the priorities of foreign policy of Argentina.

Which is your favorite Armenian food?

I am crazy for lavash, cheese and greens. I adore them.

And the last question, the president of the National Assembly of Armenia has visited Argentina during the last 3 years followed by Armenia President Serzh Sargsyan’s visit. Are mutual visits expected?

I am really hopeful in that respect. Argentina Foreign Minister arrived in Armenia this year, April 24. Currently activities are being carried out to hold high-level meetings again.