RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received today the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Italy to the Republic of Armenia Alessandro Ferranti.

ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan also participated in the meeting.

Minister Zhanna Andreasyan greeted the Ambassador and congratulated him on the start of his diplomatic mission in Armenia. Underlining the significance of joint programs and existing collaboration, the ESCS Minister expressed confidence that during the Ambassador's tenure, cooperation between Armenia and Italy in the fields of education, science, culture and sports will further be advanced.

Touching upon cooperation in the field of education, the Minister emphasized the significance of programs aimed at promoting the Italian language in both the university and general education systems. Zhanna Andreasyan informed that a pilot Italian language training program is being implemented in 3 schools in Yerevan with the involvement of specialists from Italy.

A reference was made to the activities of the Armenian studies centres operating in Italy. Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the activities of the Armenian Studies centres at the Ca' Foscari University in Venice and La Sapienza University in Rome, and also suggested fostering dialogue and collaboration with Armenian state universities through joint educational and exchange programs for students and young scientists.

Referring to cooperation in the field of higher education and science, Zhanna Andreasyan suggested considering the possibilities of implementing joint programs in areas of mutual interest, the opportunities provided by the EU, in particular, stimulating cooperation within the framework of the “Horizon Europe” and “Erasmus+” programs, as well as expanding interuniversity ties in the field of higher and postgraduate education.

The Minister also highlighted the significance of conducting joint cultural initiatives in the field of archaeology, restoration of immovable historical and cultural monuments, museums, music, and cinema, expressing confidence in the enormous potential for expanding collaboration. The discussion also covered the programs planned with the assistance of the Italian side in the field of restoration of immovable historical and cultural monuments.

Thankful for the reception, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Armenia Alessandro Ferranti noted that he is taking on his mission in Armenia with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility. Emphasizing the longstanding historical connections, centuries-old ties and shared value systems, the Ambassador expressed confidence that there is a wide potential for cooperation between Armenia and Italy, particularly in the field of culture.

Highlighting the continuous development of comprehensive cooperation, the ESCS Minister and the Italian Ambassador to Armenia expressed their commitment to make every effort to strengthen and expand bilateral ties.