Sharjah Ruler meets Supreme Spiritual Leader of Armenian Church

Sharjah, Nov 25, 2008 (WAM) - His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah received yesterday the Supreme Spiritual and Administrative leader of the Armenian Church His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The Supreme Patriarch is currently on a visit to UAE.

At a meeting held at the Ruler's office, they stressed the need to encourage the interfaith dialogue, creating among people the trait of respecting other's faiths and cultures. This, they said, will pave the way for the humanity to live in peace and harmony.

Sheikh Sultan expressed his happiness over the presence of the Armenian community in UAE, and said that the emirate of Sharjah is keen on giving the followers of various faiths, cultures and ethnicities all respect and concern. He specially praised the Armenian community for their love for knowledge.

His Holiness Karekin II expressed profound gratitude to the support extended by the Sharjah Ruler to the Armenian Church and the Armenian community in the emirate. The Supreme Patriarch praised UAE's policy of tolerance as encouraged by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of various emirates.

A number of Armenian Church pontiffs and other officials attended the meeting.