PM SERGE SARGSYAN RECEIVED THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF VATICAN

armradio.am
05.03.2008 11:31

RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan received the Secretary of State of
Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and the delegation headed by him.

Greeting the Cardinal, the Prime Minister noted that he is glad to
welcome His Holiness in our country. According to the Prime Minister,
the visit of the Pope of Rome John Paul II to Armenia in September
2001 created the best bases for the further development of friendly
relations between Armenia and Vatican, and the demonstration of
Christian solidarity during the celebration of the 1700th anniversary
of adoption of Christianity in Armenia became the best guarantee of
development of these relations. Serge Sargsyan expressed gratitude for
the opening of the Square after St. Gregory the Illuminator in Vatican
on February 22, as well as the warm words of His Holiness Pope Benedict
16th addressed to the Armenian people during the opening ceremony.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone noted that his visit to Armenia is associated
with the love for the Armenian people. "With the Catholicos of All
Armenians we prayed for the peace of Armenia and for solving the
current situation in the country through political dialogue, and I
hope that it will be the case," the State Secretary of Vatican stated.

Serge Sarsgayn thanked the Cardinal and assured that everything is
being done for the establishment of cooperation between the political
forces, tolerance among the society and in the direction of leading
the country along the path of stable development.

During the meeting the parties attached importance to continuing the
efforts targeted at poverty reduction. The Prime Minister presented
to the guest the results of the work done so far and introduced the
future programs, which the Cardinal welcomed.