I believe that the opening of the Vatican’s Apostolic Nunciature office in Armenia will become a new symbol for Armenia and the entire international community in building bridges and achieving righteous peace in the region. This was said by Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, the Substitute for General Affairs of the Holy See, at Wednesday’s joint press briefing with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in Yerevan.

According to him, his current visit to Armenia and meeting in the country confirm the partnership between Armenia and the Vatican.

The archbishop noted that next year the 30th anniversary of the relations between Armenia and the Vatican will be celebrated, and that the opening of this nunciature office will strengthen the relations, the ties between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Holy See, the Catholic community of Armenia.

"This is also a testament to the respect of the Catholic Church for this land where a part of the ancient people live, who were the first [in the world] to adopt Christianity. The cooperation and friendship between the Vatican and [the Mother See of Holy] Etchmiadzin are known. We are ready to work together for the welfare and development of the Armenian people," the Vatican official emphasized.

Summing up, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra reaffirmed the Vatican's support for the steps taken by the Armenian authorities—and aimed at achieving peace, disarmament, human rights, cultural and human development, religious freedom, and protection of the environment.