Today, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Armenia Giovanni Ricciulli presented his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan.

The President congratulated Ambassador Ricciulli on his appointment and wished him every success. He also expressed hope that Ambassador Ricciulli will make his input to the consistent development of friendly relations between Armenia and Italy.

Noting with satisfaction that during the tenure of the former Italian Ambassador Bruno Scapini the Armenian-Italian relations reached a qualitatively new level and the agenda of bilateral cooperation was significantly expanded, Serzh Sargsyan expressed confidence that based on that work and historically close relations of the two peoples, during the new Ambassador’s tenure in office bilateral relations will become even closer.

The parties stressed the importance of developing and expanding economic cooperation, considering the fact that Italy is one of Armenia’s major trade partners among the EU countries.

The interlocutors concurred that cultural, educational and scientific cooperation between Armenia and Italy is an important element of the interstate relations in the light of the rich cultural heritage of the two countries and existing huge educational and scientific potential.

The President of Armenia expressed hope that during Italy’s Chairmanship in EU in 2014, Eastern Partnership will remain among the priorities.

Ambassador Giovanni Ricciulli assured that during that period too his country will continue to assist Armenia in the implementation of reforms in the framework of its European agenda.