Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday sent a condolence message to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on the death of Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

“During his almost half-century reign, the life and service of Ilia II symbolized the noble values of faith, patriotism and friendship between nations. His unforgettable contribution to the development of spiritual life, the consolidation of society, and the strengthening of statehood will forever remain in everyone’s memory.

On behalf of the people of Armenia and myself, I extend my sincere condolences to the Government of Georgia, the Georgian Orthodox Church and the fraternal Georgian people, wishing [them] strength and fortitude in this difficult moment of loss,” the Armenian PM’s condolence message reads, in particular.