Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On June 14, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; hosted Mr. Alfonso Di Riso, newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to the Republic of Armenia.

Congratulating and conveying his best wishes to the Ambassador on the occasion of his appointment; His Holiness expressed hope, that during his tenure the Armenian-Italian friendly relations will develop even more and become more productive with new joint implementations..

During the meeting, His Holiness reflected on the historical relations between the two nations, which have always been based on the Christian faith and the same system of values. The Catholicos of All Armenians also spoke about the warm relations, close social and educational cooperation between the Armenian Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

During the conversation, the Pontiff of All Armenians presented to the Italian Ambassador his concerns over the encroachments of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on the borders of Armenia; returning the prisoners of war, as well as the policy of destruction and embezzlement of the spiritual-cultural heritage of the Armenian Church in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan. The Catholicos of All Armenians noted the imprtance of the efforts of the international community and friendly countries in overcoming the existing problems.