Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III received the Ambassador of France, Olivier Courteau, with whom he discussed the development of Georgian-French relations, historical and cultural ties between the two countries, as well as prospects for further cooperation. This was reported by the Patriarchate of Georgia.
Courteau emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Georgia, and also expressed readiness to continue cooperation in the cultural and educational spheres.
Patriarch of Georgia Shio III presented the French Ambassador with a jubilee cross dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in Georgia.
The head of the GOC (Georgian Orthodox Church) also received the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Petr Kubernát, at the Patriarchate. As noted in the statement, the parties discussed the development of bilateral relations and cooperation, including humanitarian and cultural areas.
Separately, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III received the Bishop of the Catholic Church in Georgia, Giuseppe Pasotto, and his accompanying clergy.
They discussed issues of inter-church dialogue, strengthening friendly relations between the Orthodox and Catholic communities, as well as current social and ethical challenges of our time, including issues of moral values, family, and bioethics.
Special attention was paid to the theme of peace and the need to maintain constructive interaction.
The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia noted the bishop’s warm attitude toward the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.
Following the meeting, the parties exchanged commemorative gifts.