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Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
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November 25, 2008

His Holiness Karekin II meets with Sheikh of Sharjah

On Monday, November 24, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, during his visit to the United Arab Emirates,
met with His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad al Qasimi, UAE Supreme
Council member and ruler of Sharjah.

His Holiness was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Sultan, who reflected with
happiness on his memories of visiting Armenia a few years ago.  His Holiness
expressed his appreciation to the Sheikh for the kind care and attention
given to the Armenian community of the United Arab Emirates, specifically
noting the help and support given by the ruler of Sharjah to the Armenians
in establishing and building an Armenian church in his emirate.  The
Armenian pontiff also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Sultan for
sponsoring the renovation and restoration of the historic Monastery of
Haghartsin in Armenia.

The Sheikh highly commended the Armenian communities of the Middle East as
pious, faithful, worthy and hardworking members of society, and especially
mentioned the love of knowledge and education which is highly valued by
Armenian families.  Sheikh Sultan also noted his joy upon learning of the
progress of the reconstruction work of the buildings and road of the
monastic complex of Haghartsin.

During the meeting, the Catholicos and the Sheikh also spoke about the
importance of sustainable inter-faith dialogue; the special tolerance that
exists in the UAE toward other faiths and cultures; and the need for respect
and mutual love which shall be the guarantor of the peaceful and harmonious
life of humanity.

Accompanying His Holiness during the meeting with Sheikh Sultan were His
Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus,
Syria; Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian and Mr. Varoujan Nerguizian.