The Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC), Asaf Hajiyev, sent a letter of condolence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, on the passing of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II.

"Your Excellency, on behalf of the International Secretariat of the 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", - reads the condolence letter.