On July 10, Minister Oskanian received Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Marguerita Bonivare, and her delegation which represented the Italian presidency of the European Union, the upcoming Irish presidency as well as the European Commission.

During the meeting and the subsequent press conference, the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister introduced the newly-appointed Special Envoy of the EU to the South Caucasus, Ambassador Heiki Talvitie. Ambassador Talvitie represented Finland in the Minsk Conference in 1996 when Finland held the co-chairmanship. Ambassador Talvitie explained that his new mandate in the South Caucasus focuses on the strengthening and deepening of all aspects of the EU relationship with each country in the region, including economic, political, social and conflict settlement.

The Minister discussed with the members of the delegation the Armenia-EU relationship, the current state of implementation of the provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Treaty between Armenia and the EU, as well as issues relating to EU enlargement, and Armenia's place in the growing European family.

They also stressed the importance of deepening economic relations as well as opening of the European market for Armenian goods.The European Union delegation also talked about the importance of reinforcing democratic processes and instituting electoral reform.

Along with other issues Minister Oskanian and European delegation touched upon regional issues and the current state of the Nagorno Karabagh negotiations process.