ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan received today Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Armenia Alfonso Di Riso in connection with the completion of the diplomatic mission in Armenia.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Zhanna Andreasyan expressed gratitude for the fruitful work aimed at advancing cooperation between Armenia and Italy.

The Minister emphasized the significance of collaborative cultural initiatives in the field of museums, music, cinema, and restoration of immovable monuments of archaeology, history and culture, and expressed confidence in the huge potential for expanded cooperation. Speaking on collaboration in the field of education, the Minister emphasized the significance of initiatives aimed at advancing the Italian language in both general and higher education systems. Additionally, a reference was made to the activities of the Armenian studies centers operating in Italy.

Ambassador Alfonso Di Riso thanked for the reception and appreciation. According to him it was a great honor for him to carry out a diplomatic mission in Armenia. He also emphasized that he has spent many intensive working years in Armenia, during which various initiatives have been implemented for the benefit of strengthening relations between Armenia and Italy.

Regarding the cultural programs having already been implemented, it was highlighted that the National Gallery of Armenia opened the exhibition “Fragments of Italian Art in Armenia” on Italian Republic Day, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Donatello, Tintoretto, Guercino, Canaletto, and Canova. A touring exhibition of panels of “Perugino” has been organized. To mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Italy, Giuseppe Verdi's “La Traviata” was staged at Alexander Spendiaryan Yerevan National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. Armenian and Italian films have been screened at film festivals held in the two countries, and a number of Armenian ensembles, choirs and dance groups, along with solo performers, regularly perform in different cities of Italy.

During the meeting, the parties also touched upon other issues of bilateral interest. ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan wished Ambassador Alfonso Di Rizo success and productive activities in his future endeavors.