On October 13, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan received Jose Avelinu Bettencourt, apostolic nuncio of the Holy See in the Republic of Armenia, on the occasion of the end of his diplomatic mission in Armenia.
Noting that the mission of the nuncio of the Holy See in Armenia coincided with a difficult period for Armenia and the Armenian people, Minister Mirzoyan appreciated his contribution and efforts in the deepening and developing bilateral relations and wished him success in his future activities.
Emphasizing that the mission was special for him in the country that first adopted Christianity as the state religion, the apostolic nuncio of the Holy See thanked for the practical cooperation and efforts aimed at strengthening ties, handing Minister Mirzoyan the papal order of St. Gregory the Great.
The interlocutors discussed various interaction issues between Armenia and the Holy See, noting with satisfaction the recent implementation of bilateral high-level visits, particularly in 2022. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s visit to the Vatican and 2023 Pietro Parolini, State Secretary of the Holy See, Yerevan.
Referring to the depopulation of Nagorno Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing, Ararat Mirzoyan noted that the forced displacement of more than 100,000 Armenians was preceded by the Azerbaijani military attack on September 19 and the nearly 10-month siege. In this context, the RA Foreign Minister noted that despite the calls and statements of the international community, including the Holy See, it was impossible to prevent Azerbaijan’s planned policy of repatriation of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.
The importance of the ongoing humanitarian problems, the rights of displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, and the active involvement and actions of international actors in establishing peace in the region were emphasized.
The Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831 and is awarded for service to the Holy See and the Church, personal and exemplary work, and merit to society.
