The Catholicos Meets with the Prime Minister of Georgia

On October 15, His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who was on an official visit to Armenia, accompanied by Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.

Welcoming the visit of the delegation led by the Prime Minister of Georgia to the spiritual center of the Armenian people, the Armenian Patriarch congratulated Mr. Giorgi Gakharia on assuming the important position of Prime Minister, expressing hope that the visit would contribute to further strengthening the centuries-old friendship between Armenia and Georgia.

His Holiness addressed the historical connections that exist between the two peoples, which are rich in numerous testimonies of mutual assistance, solidarity, and joint struggles, affirming that these are the solid foundations on which cooperation between the two countries should be built and established.

The Armenian Pontiff noted that the Christian faith and value system have played a significant role in the relations between the two friendly nations, through which many trials and difficulties have been overcome.

His Holiness also spoke about the vital role of the Armenian Apostolic and Georgian Orthodox Churches in preserving national identity and culture, uniting the Armenian and Georgian peoples, and in nation-building.

In turn, Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia conveyed the fraternal greetings of Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, expressing the conviction that the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples is based on close ecclesiastical relations.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Church has always had its vital and state-building significance and will continue to remain so. Referring to the outcomes of the visit, Mr. Gakharia assured that all existing issues between the two countries and peoples would be resolved on the basis of fraternal relations.