Serzh Sargsyan is in Italy on a working visit

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS:Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has left Monday for Italy on a working visit. Presidential press service told Armenpress that on the first day of the visit the head of the republic met in Vatican with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. After the private conversation of the President and His Holiness, a plenary meeting with the delegation members was also held.

The head of the republic and His Holiness spoke of the high-level relations of Armenia and Vatican with gratification. The parties exchanged thoughts over the cooperation between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatzin and Catholic Church, referred to the huge role of the churches in society for the common good. The significance of upbringing of generations with the spirit of Christian merits was highlighted.

On December 12, President Serzh Sargsyan also met with Secretary of State of Vatican CardinalTarcisioBertone. The parties attached importance to the need of enhancing the bilateral high-level relations. President Serzh Sargsyan and Bertone also referred to strengthening of the cultural ties. Serzh Sargsyan expressed gratitude to Vatican for preservation of the Armenian cultural heritage abroad. The interlocutors expressed confidence that the appointment of ambassadors in Armenia and Vatican will be a new impetus for deepening of bilateral relations.

After the meeting with the Secretary of State the head of the republic visited St. Peter’s Cathedral and St. Gregory the Illuminator Statue placed in the cathedral.