"Today we are opening Days of Italy in Armenia. In my opinion it is the best manifestation of the Armenian-Italian friendship and age-old ties", Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated during the opening ceremony of the Days. He also expressed gratitude to the Italian government, the Italian Embassy in Armenia and specifically to Ambassador to Armenia Marco Clemente for his contribution to the organization of the events. He also thanked Mkhitarians for their devoted work, which will allow the Armenian people to get acquainted with the treasurers of the St. Lazarus Island. Vartan Oskanian noted that the events will be held under the aegis of the Presidents of two states. As RA MFA Spokesman Hamlet Gasparian stated earlier the exhibition of the treasures of St. Lazarus Island, which will last till the end of the year, will become the core of the events. In his words, this cultural event has a political ground as well, since Armenia is engaged in the EU New Neighborhood Policy. Tom remind, Italian Ambassador to Armenia Marco Clemente stated that the Italian government did its best to make the events accessible for the Armenian people. "Italy will fill whole Yerevan with its love, friendship and the desire to strengthen relations. We should take every opportunity to bring together our national and cultures," he said.