President Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan on Friday attended a jubilee event dedicated to the 80th birth anniversary of Armenian People’s Artist, film director Artavazd Peleshyan at the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater after A. Spendiaryan, the presidential office reported.

Congratulating once again the renowned filmmaker on his jubilee, the President of Armenia awarded Artavazd Peleshyan with the Order of Honor for significant contribution and long-term service to cinematography, as well as for worldwide presentation of the Armenian cultural heritage.

“Dear Maestro, the birth of a talent does not come that easy; it is as much challenging to make the way throughout one’s artistic career, but the talents are talented enough to overcome all hardships and the fierce resistance of their colleagues and counterparts.

You are a happy man as you were able to serve your favorite job for several decades, enhancing thus the image of Armenia and the Armenian people. Our people’s love came to you from the fact that you offered them many moments of national pride. It was a pleasure for me to see young people come up to you with the request of getting photographed together during a dinner party held on the margins of the Golden Apricot Film Festival, despite the fact that many other world-famous figures were present there. Dear Maestro, this is quite another approach, another dimension.

All we can ask you is to continue serving our people, since nothing matters more in this world, and please convey your experience to the rising generation: we need it,” the President of Armenia said in his congratulatory remarks.

Maestro Peleshyan thanked the organizers, participants and all those who value his artistic activity for their kind remarks of praise and appreciation. The renowned filmmaker also thanked the President for the high State award presented to him.

“Honorable President Serzh Sargsyan, we know that our country has been in a state of war for a long time. Under these conditions, you find the time to encourage artists, including me. Thank you very much for that. Honorable Mr. President, what a good thing you are with us. May all the forces of the world be yours,” Artavazd Peleshyan reciprocated in his speech.