Within the framework of his state visit to Italy, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian met with the Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi.

President Sarkissian noted that the purpose of his visit to Italy is also to develop relations and cooperation between Yerevan and Rome.

Mayor Raggi, for her part, noted that they will be happy to deepen cooperation and friendship with Yerevan, and said that they are ready to share their track-record with their friends and their knowledge in the preservation of historical heritage.

The meeting highlighted the deepening of cultural ties between the two capitals and the implementation of joint events and programs, and stressed the need to intensify contacts.

The President of Armenia expressed gratitude for the Rome city hall’s approval of the Armenian side’s proposal to install a bust of great Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan at the Sant'Andrea Park in Rome.

Also, President Sarkissian lauded the City Council of Rome’s unanimous recognition—in 2000—of the Armenian Genocide.

At the end of the meeting, President Armen Sarkissian made a note in the Book of Honored Guests of the Rome municipal hall.