ETCHMIADZIN. – The Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II on Thursday received Japanese Ambassador Takehito Harada. 

The Catholicos expressed a satisfaction by the steps taken toward bettering cooperation between both countries. Karekin II extended his appreciation to the people of Japan for their support toward Armenia, the Holy See of Saint Etchmiadzin informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.                          

The interlocutors also reflected on last year’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and their aftermath. In this connection, Japan’s ambassador extended his gratitude to Karekin II for the Armenian people’s and Church’s warmth extended to Japan in those difficult times, and for the prayer service offered in memory of the disaster victims.      

The Catholicos expressed a hope that Japan would quickly surmount the disaster aftermaths and the world entire would no longer experience such tragedies.