Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On July 09, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Mr. Oliver Varhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement; accompanied by Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia; and Mrs. Anna Aghajanyan, Head of Armenia’s Representation to the European Union.

The Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed the arrival of Mr. Oliver Varhelyi to Armenia within the framework of his visit to the region, emphasizing that this visit should give a new stimulus to the development of the EU-Armenia relations. The Armenian Pontiff also welcomed the visit of the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement to Holy Etchmiadzin, noting that this is evidence of the important role of the Armenian Church. In this regard, His Holiness noted that the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is looking forward to more tangible and practical cooperation with the European Union on issues of common interest.

The Catholicos of All Armenians extended his special appreciation to the structures of the European Union for their support and assistance to Armenia and the Armenian nation during the past years, especially during the pandemic, the Second War of Artsakh and in the post-war period.

Then, the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Mr. Olivér Várhelyi reflected on the visit to Armenia, emphasizing the importance of his meeting with the Armenian Pontiff.

Mr. Olivér Várhelyi presented His Holiness the aims of the visit, the humanitarian aid being provided to Armenia through various programs up to date; as well as, the EU further programs and proposals aimed at overcoming the current crisis, strengthening the stability and peace in the region, and economic development. He also emphasized the importance of the cooperation with the Armenian Church in the establishment of peace, strengthening hope and faith towards the future.

During the conversation, the Catholicos of All Armenians touched upon the post-war situation and the current challenges; expressing hope, that with the support of EU structures, OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries and friendly states, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be finally resolved, which will guarantee the security and safety of the Armenians of Artsakh.

Welcoming the EU readiness to contribute to the solution of regional problems through various investment programs, His Holiness stressed the importance to urgently overcome the current challenges that Armenia and Artsakh are facing.

On this occasion, His Holiness particularly reflected on the issue of prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan, then expressed his concerns over the encroachments on the borders of Armenia, as well as the preservation of Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan, desecration, destruction and falsification of historical belongings. His Holiness greatly emphasized the role and attitude of the international community in overcoming the issues mentioned, and stopping the anti-Armenian propaganda.