Karekin II discusses situation in Syria and bilateral cooperation with Iranian Ambassador to Armenia

The Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, and the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Armenia, Reis Muhammad, have discussed the situation in Syria, Novosti-Armenia reports, with reference to the press office of the Holy Echmiadzin. "We are aware of the difficulties faced by the people of Syria, an integral part of which is the Armenian community. Human lives are being cut, houses and shrines are being destroyed. War is evil and a sin before God. We pray that the problem will be resolved as early as possible and that the peaceful and secure life of the people will be restored," the Supreme Patriarch of the Armenians said.

Karekin II also expressed to the Iranian Ambassador and to all the Iranian leadership his condolences over the loss of many lives and destruction caused by the tragic earthquake that occurred a few days ago in Iran.

In his turn, Reis thanked the Patriarch for the sympathy and assistance of the Armenian Church, the government of the Republic and the Armenian people.

At the meeting the sides also discussed issues of cooperation, particularly in the area of ​​intercultural and interreligious dialogue and the implementation of joint educational programs.

The sides discussed issues related to the Armenian community of Iran and Armenian pilgrimage to shrines, and stressed the important role of religious leaders in the preservation of peace in the region.