Ara Aivazyan and Paul Richard Gallagher Discuss the Issue of Prisoners' Repatriation

On March 31, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ara Aivazyan had a telephone conversation with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Armenia's willingness to deepen and strengthen relations with the Holy See based on historical and spiritual universal values. They exchanged views on steps to be taken to strengthen close dialogue and dynamic high-level communication.

The interlocutors also addressed issues of regional security and stability. The head of Armenia's Foreign Ministry emphasized Pope Francis' calls for the cessation of military operations and establishing peace in the post-war period. Minister Aivazyan also presented steps being taken to address humanitarian issues arising from Turkish-Azerbaijani aggression to the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See.

As a matter requiring immediate resolution, the minister underscored the safe repatriation of Armenian prisoners held by the Azerbaijani side. Highlighting the urgency of preserving Armenian cultural and religious heritage in areas under Azerbaijani control, Minister Aivazyan strongly condemned the Azerbaijani authorities' deliberate policy of desecration and destruction of Christian cultural values. In this regard, the importance of effective intervention by the international community was emphasized.