Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, now on an official visit to Georgia, today met with Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilya II.  

Georgia's spiritual leader welcomed Prime Minister Pashinyan's official visit and expressed confidence that it would contribute to the further development of Armenian-Georgian ties.

“We live in difficult times, but we must overcome these difficulties together. I hope that the relations of our churches will continue to be fraternal and contribute to the further development of the interaction of the two peoples,” Ilya II is quoted as saying according to a statement released by Pashinyan’s press office.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked Ilya II for the warm welcome and noted that he has fond memories of his first meeting with the Georgian church leader in June 2018.

"During this period many positive things have been registered in our relations. We managed to keep the relations between the two countries developing," Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan emphasized that the two peoples' commitment to Christian values also plays a major role in political relations. "Your contribution is great, and I would like to thank you for that," Pashinyan said.

Prior to the meeting with Ilya II, Pashinyan laid a wreath at the Heroes’ Square Memorial in Tbilisi.