President Vahagn Khachaturyan receives Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received the delegation headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

The President welcomed the guest and noted, "First of all, I wish to emphasize the fraternal relations between the Church of England and Apostolic Church and attach them great importance. These relationships are of high value for us. The Apostolic Church has its unique place and role in our life and the cooperation between the two Churches is aimed at strengthening the friendship of our peoples. I also have no doubt that your visit will contribute to the development of diplomatic and political relations between our countries."

Archbishop Justin Welby expressed gratitude for the reception and noted that he is happy for the opportunity to visit Armenia and strengthen the friendship between the two Churches and peoples.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the current security challenges in the region and issues related to the protection of the rights of our compatriots forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and the created humanitarian crisis following the hostilities unleashed by Azerbaijan.

President Vahagn Khachaturyan drew the Archbishop's attention to the protection of the ancient Armenian and Christian cultural heritage in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and emphasized that only through the practical steps taken by the international community, including the Church of England, will it be possible to avoid atrocities against these monuments and their possible full destruction.

During the discussion, the interlocutors touched upon the prospects and directions of promoting the Armenian-British cooperation.