On July 17, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. Welcoming the guest, Minister Nalbandian mentioned that the relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Holy See are on a high level, based on historical ties deriving from centuries, Christian values and rich cultural heritage. Armenian Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude for the many years of charity activities of the Holy See in Armenia. Minister Nalbandian and Cardinal Sandri underlined the importance of the visit of Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan to the Vatican previous December and his meeting with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as another evidence of the high level of relations. The sides discussed a number of questions concerning the enlargement of mutual relations, exchanged opinions concerning regional and international issues.

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