On September 11, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received Raad Jalil Kajaji, head of the Office of Religious Endowments for Christians and Other Religions in Iraq, as well as Christian leaders of Iraq.

Welcoming the guests, Minister Nalbandian emphasized that Armenia has repeatedly condemned at international platforms the violence committed by DAESH and other terrorist groups, voiced the issues faced by national and religious, including Christian minorities in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries, as well as contributes to the international efforts for the protection of their rights.

In this context, Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of protection of one of the oldest communities of the region - the Iraqi Armenians, and of its cultural, religious and community institutions. He appreciated the valuable support of the central and regional authorities to the construction of Armenian churches in Kirkuk and Erbil.

Edward Nalbandian commended the recent liberation of the majority of Iraqi territory from DAESH, underlining the essential significance of that for reestablishing peace and stability in the region.

The head of Iraqi Waqf and the leaders of Iraqi religious minorities touched upon the situation in the country, the atrocities committed by terrorist and extremist groups, concerns of the communities and the steps taken by the Iraqi government and the international community towards their settlement.

The interlocutors attached importance to the preservation of the national and religious heritage of the region, as well as to the restoration of traditions of tolerance and coexistence.