On Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and his pontifical delegation paid consecutive visits to the embassies of Lebanon and Armenia.

H.E. Fouad Chehab Dandan, Ambassador of Lebanon in the UAE, along with the embassy staff, warmly welcomed His Holiness, with Armenian and Lebanese residents in the UAE also in attendance.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on current issues affecting Lebanon in general.

The Ambassador welcomed His Holiness, acknowledging the contribution of Lebanese Armenians to Lebanon’s prosperity. Simultaneously, he emphasized His Holiness’s role in preserving Lebanon’s unity and global presence. His Holiness highlighted Lebanon as a second home for Armenians, emphasizing its role in interreligious dialogue. the Prelate, HG Bp Mesrob Sarkissian, in turn, assured continuous support from the Armenian community for the Embassy’s initiatives.

Subsequently, His Holiness visited the embassy of Armenia and was received by Ambassador Garen Krikoryan, surrounded by members of the embassy staff.

Ambassador Krikoryan welcomed His Holiness, highlighting that Aram I consistently addresses crucial issues in Armenia and seeks solutions. His Holiness emphasized the role of the Holy See of Cilicia in strengthening Armenia’s independence. Expressing concern about strained Armenia-Diaspora relations, Aram I stressed the urgent need for unity during critical times.

At the end of the meeting, an exchange of souvenirs took place, and a reception was held in the embassy garden in honor of His Holiness, attended by the Prelate of the UAE and Qatar, Bishop Mesrob, and the Pontifical Vicar of Kuwait, V. Rev. Fr. Bedros Manouelian.