On June 10, 2019, the Governor of Lori Marzpetaran Andrey Ghukasyan and the Executive Director of Armenian Caritas BNGO Gagik Tarasyan signed a Memorandum of Understanding undertaking a commitment to multilateral cooperation in order to have the organization’s programs implemented in the communities of the region more effectively.

Deputy governor of the region Gayane Markosyan and the responsible of Armenian Caritas “Community Development and Disaster Risk Management” strategic direction Zara Aghayan, were also present at the event. Presenting the purpose of the visit to the governor Gagik Tarasyan mentioned that Armenian Caritas has been operating in Armenia for almost 25 years, mainly in 4 regions, including the Lori region. The activities of the “Little Prince” centers in Vanadzor and Tashir, elderly care, migration, tourism development assistance programs were highlighted as more important ones. Particularly, it was mentioned that the ARAMAZD project was implemented in the bordering communities of Lori region in 2015-2018 aimed at promoting the solution of socio-economic issues in bordering communities through the development of the potential of community key stakeholders. As a logical continuation of the mentioned program, “ARAMAZD:SMART” was launched in October 2018, which is also planned to be implemented in a number of vulnerable communities of Lori, Shirak, and Gegharkunik regions. The goal of the project is to promote sustainable development opportunities for rural youth through the activation of partnerships and cross-sectoral cooperation among community key stakeholders. As well as to promote socio-economic development processes in bordering communities of the regions through strengthening the key stakeholders, promoting entrepreneurial activity, employment, mobilizing civic engagement, and strengthening cooperation on the benefit of youth. In his turn, the region governor welcomed the activity of the organization in Lori region and thanked for the implementation of the programs, expressed readiness to support all the upcoming initiatives.