ARMENIA’S PRIME-MINISTER RECEIVES VATICAN SECRETARY OF STATE
ARKA
March 5, 2008
YEREVAN, March 5. /ARKA/. Armenia’s Prime-Minister Serge Sargsian
received the Secretary of State of Vatican Tarcisio Bertone who
arrived in Yerevan Tuesday, the government press service reported.
The visit of the Pope, John Paul the II to Armenia in 2001 laid
groundwork for further development of friendly relations between
Armenia and Vatican, the Prime-Minister said in welcoming the official
visit of the cardinal to Armenia.
Sargsian expressed gratitude for opening a square after the Gregory
Illuminator (the first Armenian Catholicos) in Vatican and for the
warm words addressed to the Armenian people by the current pope
Benedict XVI.
"Together with Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin the II we have
prayed for peace in Armenia and for prompt settlement of complicated
situation in the country through peace political dialogues," cardinal
Bertone said.
The Prime-Minister of Armenia, in his turn, assured that everything
is done while maintaining tolerance and cooperation with political
forces for stable development of the country.
The sides stressed importance to continuing efforts in poverty
reduction in Armenia. Sargsian introduced the results of the implement
programs to the guest.