President Serzh Sargsyan expressed his gratitude to Vatican for preserving the Armenian cultural heritage abroad.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan arrived on a working visit to Italy, and later on Monday met with Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican. 

The private talks of President and Pope were followed by an extended meeting with the participation of the Armenian delegation.

They discussed cooperation between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Catholic Church, pointed out their role in the society and importance bringing up new generations based on the Christian values.

President Sargsyan also held a meeting with Vatican Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone to discuss the issues related to cooperation, in particular in the cultural sphere. Sargsyan expressed his gratitude to Vatican for preserving the Armenian cultural heritage abroad.

The sides expressed confidence that appointment of Ambassadors will give an impetus to strengthening bilateral ties.

President Sargsyan visited Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, statue of Saint Gregory the Illuminator in Vatican and San Nicola de Tolentino Armenian Catholic Church in Rome.