Armenia welcomes the documents that nearly 50 regional and municipal councils of Italy have adopted in support of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). This is what President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian stated in his speech at the meeting with the President of Italy in Rome.

In his speech, Sarkissian particularly said the following: “A short while ago, President Mattarella and I held very meaningful and effective talks, as well as underscored the high level of political dialogue and Italy’s and Armenia’s willingness to enhance the bilateral relations.

During our talks, we also touched upon the trade and economic relations between Armenia and Italy. I hope the relations very quickly reach the level of our dialogue.

Due to the restrictions set during the coronavirus pandemic, trade turnover declined in 2020, but it started growing in 2021 and was restored. The Italian president and I also attached importance to the development of cooperation in the areas of modern industry, information technology, biotechnologies, artificial intelligence, etc.

I presented the opportunities and directions for implementation of joint projects with Italian companies within the scope of the ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) presidential initiative.

We attach great importance to human contacts and relations in both countries, particularly in the tourism sector.

Armenia would like for Italy to be more involved in the Armenian educational system so that the people learn more about Italian identity, culture and history.

I shared with my dear counterpart my evaluation of the situation regarding the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reaffirmed Armenia’s willingness to continue the activities for a peaceful settlement of the conflict through the mediation of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. In this sense, we valued the importance of maintaining balanced positions on and approaches to issues that are sensitive for both countries.

Armenia highly appreciates the resolution that the Italian parliament adopted on March 2, calling for the release of Armenian prisoners of war. We also welcome the documents adopted by nearly 50 regional and municipal councils of Italy in support of Artsakh and the people of Artsakh.

Armenia attaches importance to the participation of Italian specialists in the preservation of Armenian historical and cultural heritage after the establishment of ceasefire, as well as the direct cooperation with the UNESCO. One of the best examples of our strong cooperation and friendship are the joint efforts for peace and security in Lebanon.

I cordially express gratitude for the Italian government’s decision to provide several coronavirus vaccines to Armenia in this difficult stage of the pandemic. Armenia highly appreciates the multilateral cooperation with the European Union in areas such as democracy, human rights, protection of fundamental freedoms, as well as joint programs for sustainable development and effective governance.

I am certain that Italy and Armenia will continue their dialogue and cooperation with the vision for the future and that this visit will not only be the first and historic state visit, but will also serve as a basis for closer, deeper and warmer relations between Armenia and Italy in the decades to come.”