This is the first time a foreign colleague has been awarded with a medal within the framework of events marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian State Pedagogy University (ASPU), Yerevan.



In her speech, Srbuhi Gevorgyan stressed that for a long time now Bálint Kovács has been perceived as a friend of the University, rather than a guest, and 'partnership with him goes beyond scientific and educational circles.'

After the 44-day war in Artsakh in autumn 2020, Azerbaijan freed and repatriated five Armenian POWs through Kovács' mediation efforts. "I am sure that the humanitarian and pro-Armenian partnership will continue, and will have new manifestations in the scientific and methodological, educational fields," the ASPU rector said.

ASPU and PPCU signed a bilateral agreement [on cooperation] back in 2016.

Within the framework of cooperation, the ASPU Faculty of History and Social Sciences and PPCU have been implementing a number of scientific and educational projects. Also, a Chair of Armenology has opened at PPCU which is headed by Dr. Bálint Kovács, a professor of Armenian Studies.

Edgar Hovhannisyan, Dean of the Faculty of History and Social Sciences, says the Chair has turned from a scientific and educational centre into an important centre of public diplomacy. "The latest events have shown that in addition to being Armeniologists, they (Hungarian partners) also love Armenians. The award will certainly make their further activities more responsible and comprehensive," he said.

The award ceremony was attended by Professor Sándor Őze and Dr. Szuromi Kristóf of Pázmány Péter Catholic University who arrived in Armenia to attend an international conference at ASPU.

Edgar Hovhannisyan highlighted Professor Őze's role in Bálint Kovács' life in terms of discovering Armenia and Armenians; thanks to Őze, he (Kovács) discovered and wrote about Armenians living in the Armenian community of Hungary, fell in love with Armenian culture and Armenia. "He feels to be an Armenian. This is the next important step of our cooperation," added the dean.

Bálint Kovács thanked for the award and conveyed PPCU rector's congratulations to ASPU Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan on the occasion of the University's 100th anniversary.

See more at: https://aspu.am/en/content/hungary-based_armenologist_awarded_with_khachatur_abovyan_medal/#sthash.vDdx1jym.dpuf