Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan today had a meeting with Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Armenia Jose Avelino Bettencourt.

As reported the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the interlocutors touched upon the relations between Armenia and the Holy See that are hinged on historical ties and common Christian values and highlighted the importance of the establishment of a resident Apostolic Nunciature in Armenia, noting that it will contribute to further deepening of the interstate relations and centuries-old cooperation between Armenia and the Vatican.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the humanitarian issues that emerged as a result of the Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression. In this context, Mirzoyan stressed the need for the speedy repatriation of the Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages detained in Azerbaijan, as well as the urgency of preservation of the Armenian cultural and religious heritage in the territories that are currently under the control of Azerbaijan.

The Armenian foreign minister added that Armenia praises the messages that Pope Francis delivered during and after the 44-day war [in Nagorno-Karabakh], as well as the calls of Pope Francis for the immediate release of prisoners of war.