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April 5, 2007
His Holiness Karekin II Receives Foreign Minister of Russia
On April 4, Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, received His Excellency Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Russian Federation, and His Excellency Vartan Oskanian,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, in the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin. The delegation was accompanied by RA Deputy Foreign
Minister Gegham Gharibjanian and the ambassadors of both countries.
His Holiness welcomed Mr. Lavrov to Armenia and the headquarters of the
Armenian Church, and spoke of the long friendship and growing ties between
the Armenian and Russian nations. Referring to the progress and development
of economic and social cooperation between the two states, His Holiness
noted, `We are certain that the friendship between our two peoples will
continue to bear much fruit for our countries. As the Church, we, working
together with His Holiness Alexi II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia,
shall make every effort to contribute to the reinforcement of our positive
relations.’
The Pontiff of All Armenians further expressed his appreciation to the
Russian state authorities for the care which is provided to the Armenian
community living in Russia, and for the participation of the Russian
Federation in the process aimed at the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno
Karabagh conflict.
Minister Lavrov thanked His Holiness for the reception and highly evaluated
the role of the Armenian and Russian Churches in society. He stated, `We
place great importance and significance on our friendship and
collaboration. The attention of the Armenians to Russian culture is much
appreciated and reciprocated by our people.’
Also present for the meeting was His Grace Bishop Arshak Khatchatrian,
Chancellor of the Mother See. At the end of the meeting, the Foreign
Minister of Russia visited the museum of the Pontifical Residence and the
Mother Cathedral.