Governor of Shirak province Nazeli Baghdasaryan received Friday the delegation headed by Italian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Alfonso Di Riso.

During the meeting, Baghdasaryan highlighted the importance of the long-standing Armenian-Italian friendship and the cooperation with the Italian Consulate in Gyumri, Shirak province administration reported.

"I am glad to see you in Shirak province, today's meeting is obliging and an occasion to speak once again about the centuries-long friendship of our two countries. I am glad to note that we have a small part of Italy in Gyumri in the person of Mr. Montalto for many years, many years of friendly relations with the Consul, whom we consider one of us because his work has always been a bridge of cooperation," she said.

For his part, the ambassador said that even though he is in Shirak today on a somewhat sad occasion - the expiration of Consul Montalto's diplomatic term by age, but he visits the area, in particular Gyumri, with love, because the city has a lot in common with Italy. "I have loved Gyumri since my first visit because it has a lot in common with Italy, especially in terms of architecture, but also a lot of potential in terms of tourism," he said.

Governor mentioned the importance of deepening cooperation in the areas of tourism, culture and education, recalling the cooperation with the Embassy on the possibility of teaching Italian language in the region.

The ambassador expressed his willingness to cooperate and said that he was glad when he saw practical work and initiative.

According to the governor of the Shirak province, Italian Honorary Consul to Gyumri Antonio Montalto was awarded a diploma of gratitude for strengthening and development of Armenian-Italian relations, establishment of friendship, promotion of cultural cooperation, conscientious and effective activity.

In his turn, Montalto thanked Baghdasaryan for the assessment of her work.