The High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Zareh Sinanyan, attended a ceremony at the Presidential Palace where President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan presented a state award to Vartkes Mahdessian, the State representative of the Armenian community in the House of Representative of Cyprus.

Vartkes Mahdessian was awarded the Medal of Gratitude for his significant contribution to strengthening Armenia-Diaspora ties, preserving Armenian identity, and supporting the defense and security of the Homeland.