His Holiness Karekin II Receives President Mohammad Khatami of the Islamic Republic of Iran
13.10.2004
On the afternoon of September 9, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Mr. Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and his delegation of high-ranking dignitaries.
President Khatami thanked His Holiness for the reception, and spoke of the strong relationship between the two countries and the further reinforcement of those bonds. "My visit to this holy place has genuinely increased the depth of significance to my visit to Armenia", noted the President of Iran.
His Holiness welcomed President Khatami, and referred to the mission of the Mother See in the life of the Armenian people: "Holy Etchmiadzin is the very soul of the Armenian individual. It is the beating heart of the Armenian body. The sons and daughters of our nation dispersed throughout the world, when making the sign of the cross, have always directed their gaze toward their spiritual home, toward Holy Etchmiadzin".
The Pontiff of All Armenians expressed appreciation for the careful attitude of the Iranian authorities towards the Armenian community of Iran. His Holiness further noted his joy in the continued development and progress of relations between Armenia and Iran, and stated his hope that the ties be fostered and strengthened for the welfare of both countries.
During the course of the meeting, both leaders placed great importance on the role and mission of spiritual leaders in the peaceful solution of regional conflicts and issues.
Also in attendance during the meeting were His Grace Bishop Sion Adamian, Primate of the Diocese of Armavir; Very Rev. Fr. Anushavan Jamkotchian; G. Gharibjanian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and A. Hadidian, Ambassador of Iran to Armenia.
