Pope Francis receives in audience the president of Georgia

Vatican City, 10 April 2015 (VIS) – This morning the Holy Father Francis received in audience Giorgi Margvelashvili, president of Georgia, who subsequently met with Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for Relations with States, at the Secretariat of State.

The cordial discussions enabled appreciation of the development of bilateral relations and further consideration of various themes of mutual interest, with particular reference to the positive contribution of the local Catholic community in the fields of charitable activity and education.

Attention then turned to concerns regarding the tensions that affect the region and, with emphasis on the importance of full respect for international law, the hope was expressed that every solution may be sought through peaceful negotiation between the interested Parties. Finally, mention was made of what has recently been achieved by Georgia regarding its own role in Europe.