A solemn reception was held in Geneva on October 14 to mark the 34th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia.

14 October, 2025

In her opening speech, H.E. Hasmik Tolmajian, Ambassador of Armenia to the Swiss Confederation and the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Office in Geneva, emphasized that the restoration of Armenia’s independence in 1991 fulfilled the centuries-old aspiration of the Armenian people to shape their own destiny and establish a sovereign, democratic state.

The Ambassador warmly praised the enduring friendship between Armenia and Switzerland, rooted in historical ties, shared values, and mutual solidarity. She recalled the remarkable movement that emerged in Switzerland during 1895-1896 in support of the Armenian people, highlighting the petition signed by approximately 500,000 citizens urging the Federal Council to take a stand and denounce the massacres of Armenians.

The Ambassador also underscored the deep historical and cultural ties between Armenia and Geneva, noting that Geneva is not only a hub of international diplomacy but also a city with which Armenia shares a longstanding tradition of friendship. She cited the support extended to the Armenian people at the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries by renowned Swiss humanists such as Gustave Ador, Édouard Naville, Léopold Favre, and Antony Kraft-Bonnard as a vivid testament to this enduring bond.

The Ambassador also addressed the difficult challenges Armenia and the Armenian people have faced in recent years, including the plight of the 120,000 refugees who have found shelter in Armenia, as well as the continued detention of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians in Azerbaijan.

She reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to establishing a lasting and just peace in the region, underscoring the significance of the Washington Agreements of August 8.

The Ambassador emphasized Armenia’s strong commitment to multilateral diplomacy, noting that the country has played a leading role in key international initiatives from genocide prevention and the protection of cultural heritage to advancing gender equality, combating discrimination, promoting the right to education, ensuring equitable access to digital technologies, and safeguarding the environment. She highlighted that a recent testament to this engagement is Armenia’s initiative to host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026, a major global event.

In his speech, Alfonso Gomez, Mayor of Geneva, emphasized the enduring ties between the Armenian community and the city of Geneva, bonds that were notably deepened following the genocide against the Armenian people in the early 20th century, when Geneva welcomed thousands of Armenian refugees. He also highlighted the significant contributions of the Armenian community, which has become a vital, creative, and dynamic part of the city’s multicultural fabric.

He also acknowledged the challenges facing Armenia, expressing solidarity with the 120,000 displaced Armenian refugees and voicing hope that Armenia’s efforts will ultimately succeed, leading to a peace built on justice and respect for the past.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were the President of the Human Rights Council, the President of the Canton of Geneva, representatives from Swiss federal, cantonal, and municipal authorities, senior members of the diplomatic corps, heads of international organizations, and members of the Armenian community.

During the event, soprano Ani Toroyan performed the national anthems of Armenia and Switzerland, followed by a selection of Armenian classical compositions.

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