Armenian and French Presidents visit Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

ETCHMIADZIN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenian and French Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Nicolas Sarkozy visited today the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where they were hosted by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

Press service of the Mother See told Armenpress that His Holiness, welcoming the visit of the Presidents to the religious center of all Armenians, expressed gratification on high-level relations of the two friend countries, which are developing more and more and getting warmer. Referring to the historical ties of the two peoples, His Holiness stressed the brotherly love and warmth of the French people toward the Armenians, which he witnessed during his visits to France.

"Your visit to Armenia has filled the spirit of all our people with joy. Our people are well-aware that the French people have always lent a helping hand to them in difficult times for us," said His Holiness, expressing gratitude for the support extended to Armenian people and Armenia.

The Catholicos also pointed out the kind attitude of French authorities toward France-based Armenians. "Our people have a special attitude of acknowledgment toward France and French people also for assistance in recognition and condemnation of the Genocide and defense of Artsakh people's right of living free," His Holiness said, expressing gratitude for the efforts exerted by the French President in that direction.

"It is a high honor to be in Armenia and show the friendship of our countries," the French President said in his turn, expressing joy for the meeting. Stressing the role of the Armenian Church and His Holiness in preservation of Armenian identity and unity, Nicolas Sarkozy paid his tribute of honor to the Catholicos of All-Armenians and wished success in implementation of that important mission.

At the end His Holiness addressed his good wishes to the French President and French people.