His Holiness Karekin II Received Prime Minister of Singapore
30.09.2019
On September 30, in the Pontifical Residence, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore, and Mrs. Ho Ching.
Welcoming the visit of the Singapore Prime Minister and his delegation to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s visit to Armenia will contribute to the further expansion and strengthening of the Armenian-Singapore relations and cooperation.
The Catholicos of All Armenians highlighted the relations between the two countries at different levels, which develop and embrace new spheres. His Holiness referred to the historical relationship between the two nations, in particular, the role of the Armenian Community of Singapore, following which, the Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his appreciation to the state authorities for their care towards the Armenian community and providing necessary conditions for the community’s spiritual-national life.
His Holiness also spoke with gratitude about the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Singapore, stating that the Armenian Community of Singapore will soon have their spiritual Pontiff who will organize the community’s spiritual life. The Catholicos of All Armenians introduced the Prime Minister that The Armenian Church of Singapore is an environment of inter-church co-existence and inter-religious dialogue and many Christian communities, who do not have church in Singapore, carry out their rituals in the Armenian Church. The Pontiff of All Armenians informed the Prime Minister about the planning Patriarchal visit to Singapore in 2020 on the occasion of the foundation anniversary of the Armenian Church in Singapore.
Expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality, the Prime Minister of Singapore referred to the historical relations between the two countries and the prospects of the further development of cooperation.
Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, speaking about the Armenian Community of Singapore, stated, that the community members have had great contribution to the different spheres of country life. The Prime Minister also referred to the historical Armenian Church which is the first Christian Church in the area, as well as, the freedom given to the national minorities and religious communities in Singapore.
Following the meeting, the delegation led by the Prime Minister of Singapore visited the “Alex and Marie Manoogian” Treasury House.
