YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan today received the world-known Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica.

At the outset of the meeting, Kusturica gifted to the president the collection of his stories “Hundred tortures,” which was published this year,  the Armenian President’s press-service reports.

He also noted that the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by Armenians was a sensitive moment for all those who are familiar with the history of the Armenian people, as well as for the people who have passed through similar horrors in their history.

Kusturica considers the concert to be held in Armenia tonight as his and his band’s small contribution on occasion of marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which, according to him, symbolizes the hope towards a better future.

For his part, President Serzh Sargsyan welcomed the famous filmmaker, noting that his visit is definitely an important event in the cultural life of Armenia. He also stressed that the Armenian people welcome Emir Kusturica and his art preaching universal values with great warmth.

The President also said that he remembers with warmth his previous meeting with the famous filmmaker back in 2010 and will always be happy to host him in Armenia. He thanked Kusturica for his special respectful attitude towards the Armenian people, their history and culture, as well as for the initiative of the commemoration concert to be held in Yerevan tonight.