YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s Ambassador to the Holy See Karen Nazaryan on March 9 presented his credentials to Pope Francis, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress.

During the talk the Ambassador on behalf of the citizens and new leadership of Armenia conveyed warm greetings to the Pope, stating that Armenia always keeps alive the memories of his historic visit to the first Christian country. The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the principle stance of Pope Francis over the recognition of the Armenian Genocide which is an important step directed for solidarity between the nations and states through truth and justice.

Ambassador Nazaryan used the chance and noted that the decision on proclaiming St. Gregory of Narek as Doctor of the Church further strengthened the bridge of unity and faith encouraging and supporting all Armenians living in Armenia and abroad. The Armenian Ambassador expressed his willingness to make all efforts to ensure the constant expansion of inter-state ties in different sectors.

In his turn Pope Francis welcomed the Armenian authorities’ plan to further develop the bilateral ties with the Holy See which are based on the Armenia-Vatican old friendly connections, also highlighting the role of the Diaspora.

Pope Francis wished the new Ambassador productive diplomatic mission for the glory of the further strengthening of the ties between the two states and addressed his wishes to the citizens of Armenia, Cathlicos of All Armenians and the country’s political leadership.

On the same day, the Armenian Ambassador had a private meeting with Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin during which they discussed the bilateral agenda and mutual partnership, as well as touched upon the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process and the regional developments.

The Ambassador introduced the Secretary of State on the ongoing large-scale reforms in Armenia.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin conveyed his warm greetings to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, wishing productive work to the government.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan