On Wednesday 4 December 2013, His Holiness Aram I met with His Beatitude John X Yazigi in Balamand (Lebanon). The two spiritual leaders discussed issues related to the two Churches, the situation of their communities in Syria and the status of the two kidnapped Archbishops.

They then focused on two recent and urgent issues: the abduction of 12 Orthodox nuns from their convent in Syria and the proposed Geneva 2 conference on the role of Christian communities in the peace process and reconstruction of Syria. The two Hierarchs decided to remain in contact and strengthen their cooperation in responding to the crises in the region.

 Bishop Shahé Panossian, Prelate of Lebanon, and Bishop Norayr Ashekian were also present at the meeting in Balamand.