VISIT OF CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS KAREKIN II TO SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC FINISHES

Noyan Tapan
Nov 16, 2009

DAMASCUS, NOVEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN. President of the Syrian Arab
Republic Doctor Bashar al-Assad received Catholicos of All Armenians
Karekin II and the delegation accompanying him being in Syria on an
official-pastorial visit on November 15.

During the meeting the sides touched upon centuries-old Armenian-Syrian
historic-cultural contacts and deepening of relations in various
spheres developing progressively. B. al-Assad attached special
importance to Syrian Armenian community’s role and significance and
efforts made by the Armenians in development of country’s economy
and public life.

His Holiness the Patriarch expressed gratitude to the President of
Syria for care and kind attitude to the Armenian community. Meanwhile
he evaluated very highly the position of Syria’s political leadership,
in particular, of President Assad towards national religious minorities
mentioning that Syria as a country and state can serve as an example
for religious tolerance and public solidarity.

Regional problems were also touched upon at the meeting. The
normalization process of Armenian-Turkish relations was specially
discussed.

According to the RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
the same day Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II met with Prime
Minister of Syria Mohammad Naji Otri. Issues related to further
expansion of Armenian-Syrian bilateral economic relations and
development of partnership in all spheres were discussed at the
meeting.

Then a patriarchal solemn saint liturgy was served in Damascus Saint
Sargis Church, conducted by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

A reception in honor of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II was
organized on November 15 at Damascus Kasr an-Nubala hall. General Mufti
of the Syrian Arab Republic, Minister of Industry, Deputy Foreign
Minister, heads of diplomatic representations accredited in Syria,
diplomats, journalists, public-political figures, representatives of
the Armenian community were present at the reception.

The visit of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to the Syrian
Arab Republic finished on the November 16 morning.