YEREVAN. – Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian’s official visit to Italy kicked off on Wednesday. 

On the same day, he met with his Italian colleague, Emma Bonino.

Nalbandian noted that Armenian-Italian relations have a history that goes back thousands of years, and this is a good basis for further strengthening cooperation, informs the Armenian MFA press service. 

In turn Bonino said Italy looks toward developing cooperation with Armenia and stands ready to take steps in that direction. 

The ministers discussed the avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation.  

The interlocutors noted that the legal and contractual framework and the trend toward invigorating economic ties exist in order to broaden trade and economic cooperation between Armenia and Italy.    

Edward Nalbandian and Emma Bonino also examined Armenia-European Union relations, and the collaboration within the framework of Eastern Partnership.

In the context of Armenia’s current chairmanship at the Council of Europe (CoE) Committee of Ministers, they exchanged views on the CoE agenda issues. 

At the request of his Italian counterpart, Armenia’s FM spoke about the ongoing efforts by Armenia and the international community toward a pacific settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Armenian and Italian FMs also exchanged views on the continued efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis, and the negotiation process concerning Iran’s nuclear program.      

On the same day, Edward Nalbandian also met with Italian Minister of Defense, Mario Mauro.

They reflected on the Armenian-Italian cooperation in the defense sector, and the course of implementation of the terms of the respective agreement that was signed by the MODs of both countries. 

Mauro reaffirmed Italy’s willingness to train Armenian military officers at the military educational institutions of Italy. 

The agenda of the talks also included the potential Armenian-Italian cooperation in international peacekeeping operations.

On Wednesday evening, the Armenian Embassy in Italy organized a reception devoted to the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian addressed those present at the event.