On December 3 RA NA President Mr Hovik Abrahamyan received Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Armenia Mr Massimo Lavezzo Cassinelli.

Highlighting the inter-parliamentary relations with Italy NA President Mr Hovik Abrahamyan noted that the development of the ties between the parliaments had big potential. Mr Abrahamyan noted the prerequisites of the establishment of active cooperation, stressed the mutual visits of the MPs of the parliaments of the two countries. He invited to Armenia on an official visit the Presidents of the two chambers of the parliament of the Republic of Italy, Senate and Camera, expressing confidence that the development of the inter-parliamentary relations would promote the strengthening of the trade-economic and scientific-cultural ties between the two countries. Mr Abrahamyan also proposed to discuss the possibility of signing the agreement on inter-parliamentary cooperation or memorandum during the visit. It was noted that in the National Assembly a parliamentary friendship group with Italy had already been set up, which can also promote the deepening of relations. The President of the Parliament considered important the cooperation of the delegations of the two countries in the international structures. It was also noted that as a member country of the European Union Italy could support Armenia’s Euro-integration. Touching upon the successful work of the Italian Renco organization in Armenia Mr Abrahamyan considered important the entry of the Italian other enterprises and noted that the tax field of Armenia was favourable for the contributions and the foreigners’ business. The NA President believes that Mr Cassinelli can greatly promote the development of the Armenian-Italian cooperation with his support.

Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Armenia Mr Massimo Lavezzo Cassinelli expressed willingness to develop the Italian-Armenian friendship, which has historical roots and noted that the Italians and Armenians are united not only by spiritual-cultural similarities, but also the resemblance of the two peoples. Expressing gratitude for inviting to Armenia on an official visit the Presidents of Senate and Camera the Ambassador promised to pass the invitation and specify the dates of the visit. He agreed that the mutual visits promote the development of relations and noted that in 2007 the members of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate were in Armenia and in 2009 the visit of the Deputy Foreign Minister Senator Mandini is envisaged. Mr Cassinelli highlights also the joint work of the parliamentary friendship groups with regards to the development of the inter-parliamentary relations.

At the meeting the sides touched upon the inner-political and regional problems too, highlighted the settlement of the conflicts in the South Caucasus region through negotiations, which would promote the establishment of peace and welfare.