By Arnold Neliba
ABIDJAN, MAY 10, 2022 (CISA)-The Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, during his visit to Côte d’Ivoire from May 5 to 8, met with Prime Minister Patrick Achi and President Alassane Ouattara to discuss peace and reconciliation in the country.
“This visit is a sign of the excellent relations that exist between the Holy See and the Ivory Coast,” explained Cardinal Parolin while noting that the visit “is also an opportunity to encourage your country for all the efforts it is making and continuing to make for the consolidation of peace, reconciliation and development, not only in Côte d’Ivoire but also in the sub-region. -a region that has experienced many troubles and difficult situations.”
During his reception at the prime minister’s office on Friday, May 6, Cardinal Parolin expressed his joy at being in Côte d’Ivoire and encouraged the Ivorian authorities to persevere in the direction of preserving social peace. The cardinal was later received by President Alassane Ouattara.
“We discussed the progress made in Côte d’Ivoire, which has made it possible to consolidate peace,” the Ivorian president told journalists after the meeting.
“We also talked about the difficulties of certain neighbouring countries and the need to move forward with neighbouring countries to find peace and reduce the suffering of populations. We also discussed international issues,” he added.
Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the determination of the Holy See to continue the good cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire which has lasted for 50 years through the Apostolic Nunciature and the local Church, which is willing to offer its means and resources for the development the country.
The Secretary of State of the Vatican was Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the episcopal ordination of the newly appointed apostolic nuncio to Mali and Guinea, Monsignor Jean Sylvain Emien on Saturday, May 7.
