The Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) has expressed its condolences over the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II.

In a letter addressed to Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, the Assembly notes that Ilia II was internationally recognized as an outstanding spiritual leader who dedicated his life to strengthening peace, unity, and cooperation both in Georgia and across the Black Sea region.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of the International Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.

His Holiness Ilia II was internationally recognized as an outstanding spiritual leader who devoted his life to promoting peace, unity, and cooperation in Georgia and throughout the Black Sea region. His wisdom, moral authority, and unwavering commitment to dialogue and mutual understanding made a significant contribution to fostering harmony among people.

In this time of grief, please accept our deepest respect and sincere sympathy for the Georgian people,” the condolence letter by Asaf Hajiyev reads.