Vatican to Open Diplomatic Mission in Armenia

The President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, who is on an official visit to the Vatican, met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Holy See. The meeting was also attended by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States.

During the meeting, the President once again emphasized the ongoing development of the bilateral relations between Armenia and the Holy See, highlighting the significant contribution of the Secretary of State in this regard. “We greatly appreciate the messages delivered by the Holy Father during and after the war that befell the Armenian people last year, as well as the humanitarian assistance to the hospital in Ashotzk,” noted President Sarkissian.

The President reaffirmed Armenia's interest and commitment to deepening the state relations with the Holy See, stating that these relations have always been characterized by high-level political dialogue and are based not only on Christian values but also on a shared historical and spiritual heritage, as well as similar approaches to the challenges of the modern world.

President Sarkissian welcomed the decision of the Holy Father to establish an Apostolic Delegation in Yerevan, which will officially open soon and once again demonstrates the mutual commitment to developing the Armenia-Holy See bilateral ties and deepening cooperation.

President Sarkissian and Cardinal Parolin also discussed cultural cooperation. The interlocutors highlighted the fraternal relations and strong ties existing between the Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, and Armenian Catholic Churches.