Armenian President Armen Sarkissian today hosted Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is visiting Armenia for the first time, at the presidential palace in Yerevan.

Sarkissian, according to a government press release, described the meeting as “historic”, and stressed that relations between the two ancient peoples are based on a shared value system.

The two are said to have discussed crafting an expanded cooperation agenda.

Sarkissian awarded Mattarella with the Order of Glory, a state award honor those who have made a significant contribution to the strengthening and development of inter-state relations, peace and international security, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to the promotion of spiritual and cultural values ​​promoting the development of economic ties.