Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio, who is in Armenia on a working visit.

The Prime Minister welcomed Mr. Maio's visit to Armenia and expressed confidence that it will give a new impetus to the further development and strengthening of relations between Armenia and Italy in various fields. Nikol Pashinyan attached importance to the cooperation with Italy both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union.

Luigi di Maio stressed his country's interest in expanding and strengthening cooperation with Armenia, including in the economic sphere. The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation emphasized the need to take drastic steps to increase trade turnover and implement joint investment programs.

Both sides considered the development of cooperation in the fields of energy, information technologies, education and other fields promising.

The interlocutors also discussed issues related to the situation in the South Caucasus.

Prime Minister Pashinyan presented his observations on the processes taking place around Nagorno Karabakh and stressed the need for an adequate reaction of the international community to the provocative actions carried out by Azerbaijan. Nikol Pashinyan stressed the need for a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, emphasizing the importance of clarifying the status of Artsakh, ensuring security and protecting the fundamental rights of the Armenians of Artsakh.

Luigi Di Maio expressed Italy's support for the efforts of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the President of the European Council Charles Michel, aimed at resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, establishing stability and peace in the South Caucasus. The Italian Minister also welcomed the dialogue between Armenia and Turkey aimed at normalization of relations.

The sides also exchanged views on the processes taking place in the international arena.