Naira Badalyan. The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, who is in Armenia on a two-day state visit, together with his Armenian colleague Armen Sarkissian attended the opening ceremony of the Armenian-Italian regional center for the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage in the National Art Gallery of Armenia.

The Armenian Minister of Culture Lilit Makunts and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Enzo Moavero Milanesi made a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony, after which the presidents of the two countries opened the nameplate of the Center and walked through its territory.

It is reported that the Center was founded by a joint initiative of the Armenian and Italian sides, and has the goal of implementing various, including regional, programs aimed at preserving and restoring cultural heritage.

Earlier today, Italian President Sergio Matarella awarded Armenian President Armen Sarkissian with the highest award of the Republic of Italy – Cavalier of the Great Cross, decorated with the Great Ribbon.