Serzh Sargsyan receives president of UAE Chess Federation

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who also serves as President of the Chess Federation of Armenia, today received a delegation from the UAE headed by UAE Chess Federation President Saeed Al Meqbali, according to the presidential press service.

Welcoming the guests, S. Sargsyan noted that he met yesterday, on February 18, with the UAE’s newly appointed ambassador to Armenia Jassem Mohammed Al Qasem and that they discussed a wide range of issues related to Armenia-UAE relations and their cooperation development prospects. According to the president he is glad that sports, in particular chess, will henceforth be yet another field of cooperation.

S. Al Meqbali said he is greatly impressed by special attention given to chess in Armenia, the successful experience of teaching chess in Armenian schools – for the first time in the world, and promotion of the culture of playing chess in the country without any age restrictions.

He said that the UAE is interested in studying Armenia’s experience in chess and using it in UAE. Besides, in the words of Al Meqbalbusinessmen of UAE are interested in making investment in Armenia, including in chess. He expressed an opinion that the achievements of Armenian chess players are also due to the active work done by Armenia’s Chess Federation and its president.

Serzh Sargsyan welcomed UAE’s interest in encouraging bilateral cooperation on chess and expressed his readiness to assist with the exchange of experience and the implementation of joint programs.


Following the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding was signed between Chess Federations of Armenia and UAE in the presence of the Armenian president.

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar