Armenian parliament speaker visits Patriarchate in Istanbul

Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan visited the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople as part of his working visit to Istanbul on Saturday, the Patriarchate said in a statement.

The visit, made at Simonyan’s request, took place on the sidelines of international diplomatic meetings in the city. He was received at the Patriarchate’s offices by Sahak II Mashalian.

During the meeting, the Patriarch raised concerns over what he described as “unproductive tensions” over the past year between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian government, expressing hope that reconciliation would soon be restored between Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian government.

Mashalian also highlighted the importance of sustaining momentum in ties between Turkey and Armenia, including the eventual establishment and strengthening of diplomatic relations, which he said could contribute to regional stability and cooperation.

The Patriarch wished Simonyan success in his official duties.