His Holiness Karekin II Receives the Director-General of the WTO
On May 20, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received Mr. Mike Moore, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO is a global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations.
His Holiness welcomed the Director-General to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and introduced Mr. Moore to the richness of Armenian Church history and traditions. The two shared a conversation ranging from economics and social issues to religion and culture. Mr. Moore is in Armenia to discuss the possible admission of the Republic of Armenia to the WTO. The Catholicos, reflecting on the difficulties facing Armenian and foreign political authorities, stated, "In this new millennium, the role of the Church is vital. We spiritual leaders, as well as the political leaders, must realize this, in order to be vigilant and successful in addressing the needs of our people."
Speaking about the ecumenical movement throughout Christianity, His Holiness stated that the Armenian Church stands ready and receptive for dialogue between churches. He also informed the Director-General that at present, the Mother See has sent numerous young priests to Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican universities and seminaries to further their higher education throughout Europe, Asia and North America. It is certain that in addition to receiving an education, they will strengthen existing bonds between our sister churches and the Armenian Church, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora.
The meeting concluded with His Holiness asking for God's blessings to descend on the Director-General and his mission in Armenia.
The WTO was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. As of 2002, it consists of 144 member nations. The organization is driven by agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world?s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.
