Two Armenians Residing at the Armenian Embassy in Beijing Return to Homeland

“In a foreign country, even under the conditions of inaccessible air routes and logistic hubs, the unbelievable can become possible when you have a diplomatic structure representing your state behind you, and in your homeland, public officials who understand the value of citizenship,” says Volodya Margaryan, who arrived in Armenia from China at midnight on a special flight initiated by the Armenian government, accompanied by his pregnant wife, after spending about 10 days at the Armenian Embassy in Beijing.

The couple moved to the Armenian Embassy in China on March 28 after being denied permission to board a flight operated by AEROFLOT from Beijing to Moscow to Yerevan, contrary to previous reassurances. Due to the suspension of regular and charter air communications from Russian airports to foreign destinations and vice versa, the airline was only allowing Russian citizens on board.

“During these pandemic days, as citizens of Armenia, we witnessed how diligently all the staff of our diplomatic mission in China worked to organize and ensure the vital gathering and safe transportation of medical equipment for our country,” Volodyan emphasizes, noting that a high level of organization was also demonstrated at Beijing airport in collaboration with their Chinese partners.

During these days when airports for international flights were closed, the airport was opened for the Armenian couple to facilitate their departure and to verify the legality of their exit with stamps.

“Special thanks to Ambassador Sergey Manasyan, Consul Artak Kalachyan, and all the staff of the embassy, particularly Hayk, with whom I had the honor to communicate during these days. Thanks to all the state agencies that made this flight a reality under the conditions of closed air routes. I also extend special thanks to the entire crew of the flight, professionals who not only safely brought the batch of medical supplies and equipment purchased with state funds to combat coronavirus, donated by our Chinese partners and benefactors, but also to my wife, our future child, and me. I am immensely grateful for this humanitarian step. I also thank my relatives and friends for inspiring and conveying optimism during this difficult period,” Volodya stated, who was taken from the airport to a quarantine zone with an appropriate group, where he will remain for the next 14 days.

It is noteworthy that yesterday evening, Deputy Prime Minister, acting Minister Tigran Avinyan announced on his Facebook page that in a few hours, a special flight organized by the government would land in Yerevan, returning medical supplies and equipment acquired with state funds, donated by Chinese state bodies, as well as Armenian and Chinese benefactors. It was also mentioned that this flight would bring back two Armenian citizens who had been residing at the Armenian embassy in China for several days and who would undergo a 14-day quarantine.