Ara Babloyan and Sergio Mattarella discussed issues of  Armenian-Italian cooperation

ArmInfo.On July 31, NA President Ara Babloyan met with President of the Italian Republic Sergio Matarella, who arrived in Yerevan on a state visit. The  meeting took place in an expanded format. Sergio Mattarella. Greeting  the guests in the National Assembly, the head of the parliament  expressed hope that the visit of Sergio Matarella will give a new  impetus to the centuries-old Armenian-Italian relations.

The NA Speaker appealed to the development of parliamentary diplomacy  and the promotion of the activity of friendship groups, as well as  the need for effective interaction on international platforms. In  this context, Babloyan stressed that the parliamentary system of  governance in both countries provides broad opportunities for  cooperation. According to the head of the legislative body, the study  of the fruitful experience of the Italian parliamentary government  may prove useful for Armenia.

Speaking about the RA-EU comprehensive and expanded partnership  agreement, the NA Speaker expressed hope for Italy's ratification of  the document by the Italian Senate as soon as possible, which will be  an additional impetus for further deepening of bilateral relations.  Babloyan stressed that both countries unite and strengthen the  relations of the Armenian community of Italy and common historical,  cultural, civilization and democratic values in every possible way.

Touching upon the process of peaceful settlement of the NK problem,  the President of the National Assembly highly appreciated the  balanced position of the Italian Republic on this issue. The head of  the parliament assured that irrespective of the political changes in  Armenia, the Armenian-Italian relations will continue to develop and  deepen. The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella,  thanked for the warm welcome, expressed his readiness to consolidate  the centuries-old friendly relations and cooperation between Italy  and Armenia. Mr. Mattarella stressed the importance of intensifying  cooperation at inter- parliamentary platforms, the joint work of the  parliamentary friendship groups, as well as mutually beneficial  cooperation in various fields. In this vein, the President noted that  Italy will promote ratification of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and  Expanded Partnership Agreement, which, in his opinion, will further  strengthen Armenia-EU relations. At the end of the meeting Sergio  Mattarella made an entry in the Book of Honored Guests of the  National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.