ETCHMIADZIN. – Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received, at the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin on Tuesday, Lebanese National Assembly Speaker Nabih Berri and Armenian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Samvel Nikoyan. 

During the meeting, Karekin II reflected on the close relations existing between the two peoples, noting that Lebanese Armenians have always been valued and loved by the people and authorities of Lebanon. He conveyed his thankfulness to the people of Lebanon for their warm reception of, and care toward, the Armenians who found refuge in Lebanon ever since the years of the Armenian Genocide. He also expressed his special gratitude to the Government of Lebanon for its serious steps toward the Genocide’s recognition and condemnation, and its balanced position on settlement of the Karabakh conflict.        

In his turn, Speaker of Lebanese Parliament spoke, with great appreciation, about the Armenians’ important contribution to the Lebanon’s political, economic, and cultural life.   

The interlocutors also discussed Armenian Church’s involvement in dialogue among religions, and religious leaders’ joint efforts toward establishing peace in the region, the Holy See informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.