Armenia Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Secretary for Relations with States within the Holy See's Secretariat of State Archbishop Paul Gallagher today marked the thirtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Armenia with an exchange of messages.

Mirzoyan, according to a statement released by his office, expressed his readiness to continue the pursuit of lasting international peace and sustainable development, as well as the pursuit of a peaceful co-existence.

Mirzoyan also thanked Pope Francis for his principled position on the Armenian Genocide.

The Vatican’s Foreign Minister stressed that the recently opened Apostolic Diocese in Yerevan is clear evidence of the friendly and genuine development of relations between the Holy See and Armenia in various spheres.

Archbishop Gallagher added that the Holy See intends to further strengthen cooperation with Armenia to promote moral values, justice and peace.