Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On February 26, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the newly-appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Australia to the Republic of Armenia Mr. Graham Mihan (residence in Moscow).

Conveying his best wishes to the Ambassador on the occasion of assuming the mission, the Pontiff of All Armenians, with gratitude reflected on the diplomatic relationships and close cooperation formed between Australia and Armenia. His Holiness affirmed the important role of the Armenian community in Australia in the development of friendly relations between the two countries, assuring that it will continue to contribute to both the improvement of the relations between the two countries and the progress of Australia.

The Ambassador Mr. Graham Mihan, expressing his gratitude for the reception, stressed the significant involvement and recorded successes of the Armenian community in various spheres in the Australian multinational country. The Ambassador assured His Holiness that during his tenure he will put all the possible efforts for the strengthening and deepening of the bilateral relations.

During the conversation, His Holiness Karekin II also remembered his Pontifical visits to Australia, with gratitude reflecting on the flourishing national-ecclesiastical life of the Armenian community, as well as, the warm and respectful attitude towards the Armenian sons. In this regard, the Pontiff of All Armenians conveyed his appreciation to the Australian authorities for their caring attitude towards the Armenian community.

At the meeting, a reference was also made on the close inter-church cooperation being formed in the country due to the active participation of the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Australia and New Zealand, the evidence of which is the visit of the Ecumenical Delegation of the Australian Church spiritual Leaders to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenian wished the Ambassador a productive mission for the strengthening of the Armenian-Australian relations. His Holiness wished urgent recovery, peaceful, safe and prosperous life to the Australian people who have suffered from a natural disaster .