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

The event brought together state, political and public figures of Italy, ambassadors accredited in Rome, and representatives of the Italian-Armenian community.  

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian, who is on an official visit to Italy, addressed those present at the reception, informs the Armenian MFA press service. 

“The restoration of Armenian statehood was the age-old dream of our people. The Armenian nation’s will to have a free and democratic country, the imperative of ensuring the security of Armenia and Artsakh [i.e., Nagorno-Karabakh], [and] the achievements in state-building serve as a source of inspiration for millions of Armenians in the world.      

“The Armenian-Italian relations bear a seal that has two thousand years of history, whereas diplomatic relations between Armenia and Italy solely have a 21-year history.

“Over the course of the past two decades, we were able to give a new quality to bilateral cooperation. There is a solid legal and contractual framework; thirty agreements are signed. The Italian-Armenian community contributes to the strengthening of bilateral friendship.          

“What has been done in the last twenty years is our joint accomplishment, and we are determined to continue the joint efforts to further strengthen our partnership,” Nalbandian specifically stated.