CANBERRA: On Monday, 25th March 2024, the Willoughby City Council formally adopted a motion to establish a Sister City Agreement with the City of Goris, located in Armenia’s Syunik province, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).
A Mayoral Minute was moved by Mayor Tanya Taylor and seconded by Middle Harbour Councillor Sarkis Mouradian, who is of Armenian origin.
The Mayoral Minute noted that Willoughby City Council will: “Write to the Armenian National Committee of Australia to confirm council support for displaced citizens of Artsakh and that council will consider how we can assist them. Furthermore that, a formal future relationship with Goris, Armenia will be considered as part of the review of all current partnerships.”
ANC-AU Executive Director Michael Kolokossian expressed the community’s appreciation and thanks for such a significant motion during this challenging period in the Armenian nation’s history.
State Member for Willoughby Time James MP, following his visit to the Republic of Armenia as part of the ANC-AU led delegation in 2023, had written to the Council calling for the establishment of such a relationship between Willoughby and Goris.
Kolokossian said: “The city of Goris plays a crucial role in the make-up of the Armenian state. Geographically nestled between the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, it not only serves as a hub for Artsakh refugees who have fled their homes since September 2020, but it continues to suffer the impacts of Azerbaijani military aggression.”
“Amidst such hardship, Goris serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Armenian people and we are hopeful through such an agreement we can collaborate to assist Artsakh refugees and local residents whilst advancing policy discussions on environmental issues as well as heritage and conservation in the area,” Kolokossian added.
