Pashinyan Visits Italy, Makes Stop at Flood-Ravaged Mekhitarist Monastery in Venice

He discussed with Conte the Armenian-Italian economic forum that took place on November 21 in the financial and industrial capital of Italy, Milan.

“We both highly assessed the works of the Armenian-Italian intergovernmental commission and expressed confidence that by joint efforts it will be possible to hold the second session of the commission in Yerevan in a short period of time. We referred to the opportunities of developing tourism cooperation. We highlighted the implementation of direct Rome-Yerevan and Milan-Yerevan flights by Ryanair, which will greatly contribute to the development of tourism and business relations. We also highlighted the importance of maintaining the cultural heritage of one another,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan was pleased with the visit.

“I am glad to be in Italy for the first time on an official visit. I want to thank Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte for the warm reception of the Armenian delegation,” Pashinyan said.

He emphasized that he highly appreciates the decision of the Chamber of deputies of Italy made in April of this year to recognize the Armenian Genocide. By this step the Italian side reaffirmed its devotion to universal values and contributed to the prevention of genocides and other c crimes against humanity.

An unexpected issue affecting both the Italian and Armenian governments was the flooding in Venice, home not only to untold Italian treasures, but the San Lazzaro degli Armeni, the island home to the Mekhitarist Monastery. The Italian government will provide assistance to a number of structures affected by floods in Venice, including the Armenia’s Ambassador to Italy Victoria Baghdasaryan told reporters.

“At this moment it is difficult to mention specific figures regarding the inflicted damages by floods at the San Lazzaro island, however two days ago the Italian parliament adopted a law which has listed the structures and buildings whom the Italian government will provide support for restoration,” she said.

The recent floods in Venice were the most severe ones in the past 50 years.

When Pashinyan arrived in Italy on an official visit on November 20, his first stop was the Mekhitarist Monastery on the flooded San Lazzaro island to express support.

The role of the Mekhitarist Congregation is invaluable, Pashinyan said at the meeting with Papal Legate for the Mekhitarist Congregation of Venice, Primate of the Armenian Catholic Church of Turkey, Archbishop Levon Zekiyan.

“It’s a great honor for me to be here. I am sorry that the reason for my visit is connected with the recent flood, but on the other hand I am happy that no irreversible damage was caused. The Mekhitarist Congregation plays a great role. At a time when our identity was about to the eliminated in the homeland, the Congregation became the place where our history, science, language and art were studied. It became an important scientific center to communicate with our roots. I am very excited to be here. I am confident that the Mekhitarist Congregation, as a symbolic monument of science and culture, will continue playing its practical role for a long time,” Pashinyan said.

Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan also traveled to the island with the premier.

The Armenian delegation was greeted by Federico Caner, Veneto regional minister EU Programs, Tourism and International Trade, Armenia’s Ambassador to the Holy See Garen Nazarian and Armenian Honorary Consul to Veneto Gagik Sarukhanyan.

A narrow-format meeting was held with the Mekhitarists. Pashinyan toured the monastery and signed the “Golden Book.”

The Mkhitarian or Mekhitarist Congregation was founded by Mkhitar Sebastatsi at Constantinople in 1701. The Congregation found its way to Saint Lazarus Island in Venice in 1717, turning the island into a unique religious, educational, scientific and cultural place.
As part of his visit, Pashinyan met with the members of the Armenian community in Milan.

Pashinyan invited Conte to pay an official visit to Armenia.