Tuesday, 4 March 2008
RA Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan welcomed the delegation led by State Secretary of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
Greeting the Cardinal, the Prime Minister said to be delighted at this first official visit of His Holiness to Armenia. According to the Prime Minister, the 2001 September visit to our country of His Holiness Pope Jean-Paul II of blessed memory created a sound basis for further development of good relationship between Armenia and Vatican. The demonstration of Christian fellowship during the celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of nationwide adoption of Christianity in Armenia was the best pledge of such development. Serzh Sargsyan also expressed appreciation for the inauguration of St. Gregory Illuminator
's Square I Vatican last February 22, as well as for those kind remarks addressed to the Armenian people by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI during the ceremony of inauguration.The State Secretary of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said that the present visit was caused by his feeling of love towards the people of Armenia and that through his kind offices His Holiness the Pope would like to confirm those kind remarks about the Armenian people: "Together with the Catholicos of All Armenians, we have prayed for peace and a political dialog-based negotiated resolution of the current situation in Armenia, and we are hopeful that things will just stand this way."
Serzh Sargsyan expressed gratitude and assured that everything is being done to foster tolerance within the society, promote collaboration between the political forces so as to lead the country along the path of sustainable development.
During the meeting, the need for continuing efforts towards poverty reduction has been emphasized on either side. The Prime Minister briefed the guest on the work done so far and future projects which were welcomed by the Cardinal.
