Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenian President, President of the Armenian Chess Federation Serzh Sargsyan received World Chess Champion, Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen ranking number one on World Chess Federation (FIDE) rating and three-time winner of World Chess Olympiad Levon Aronian today.

Magnus Carlsen arrived in Armenia upon the invitation of the Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation and Acronis Company.

The Armenian President stated he is honored to host number one chess player Magnus Carlsen in Armenia also taking into account the attitude Armenians have to chess.

“I am happy Levon Aronian is here as well. He is the pride of Armenian people and I think he is also Magnus’s most worthy opponent in chess. Beyond doubt, we pin great hopes on Levon, and it’s first of all owing to him that the team of a small country such as Armenia is has managed to become a three-time winner of the World Chess Olympiad. I am greatly thankful to him. Apparently, I am also happy to see here people who have had major achievements in the IT sphere. I think the Initiatives for Development of Armenia Fund has again hit the right target and it should be commended”, said Serzh Sargsyan.

“During my visit to Armenia I witnessed the love and excitement Armenians have to chess. I believe Armenia serves a remarkable example for the entire world by employing such an approach, and especially including chess in the school program. It’s a great step”, said Magnus Carlsen.