On September 19 Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian who is on an official visit to Italy met Pier Fernando Casini, the President of the Standing Committee of Foreign Relations of the Senate of Italy.

During the meeting the sides had a detailed discussion concerning the Armenian-Italian relations and exchanged views on inter-parliamentary, decentralized, trade and economic cooperation. The role of parliamentary diplomacy in developing relations between the two countries was emphasized.

The sides also touched upon questions of international agenda, and had an exchange of ideas on the ways of resolution of Syria crisis and negotiation process on Iranian nuclear program.

Upon the request of Senator Casini, Minister Nalbandian presented the efforts of Armenia and the international community for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

On the same day Edward Nalbandian met the Mayor of Rome Ignazio Marini.
During the conversation the sides turned to the steps for establishing cooperation between capitals Rome and Yerevan which both have history of nearly three thousands of years.

The sides emphasized the importance of the organization of cultural events in Rome and Yerevan which will be a serious trigger for deepening of bilateral relations.

Questions concerning possible cooperation between Yerevan and Rome in the areas of culture, tourism and healthcare were discussed.

In Rome Minister Nalbandian also met the members of the Group of Friendship of Armenia of Senate and Chamber of Deputies of Italy. Minister Nalbandian stated with confidence that the group which has more than one hundred members in the Italian Parliament can have an important role in development of cooperation between Armenia and Italy.

Edward Nalbandian presented Armenian approaches to international and regional issues and answered their several questions.