Today, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian who has arrived in Armenia on an official visit.

Highly appreciative of the current high level of Armenian-French relations, the Prime Minister highlighted the atmosphere of mutual warmth between the two countries. Nikol Pashinyan noted that he would be greatly honored to host President Emanuel Macron who is scheduled to arrive in Armenia on a State visit this fall to attend the 17th Francophone Summit. The Premier stressed that the preparations for this important event are in the focus of his attention.

“I am convinced that the ongoing dialogue between our countries, which involves the two governments, parliaments and local self-governing authorities, will go intensifying. I believe that the French business is not adequately represented in our country. Today, there are all the prerequisites and conditions for upgrading our trade and economic ties to the high level of political relations,” Nikol Pashinyan emphasized.

The head of the Armenian government thanked France for contributing to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and abiding by a positive stance on that issue. The Premier praised the role of France in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair country. Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to carry on the negotiation process in a constructive atmosphere.

In turn, Jean-Yves Le Drian congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on his election as Prime Minister, as well as on the 100th Anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia.

“The French-Armenian friendship is deeply rooted in history. France is ready to continue supporting Armenia and the Armenian people. Our country will always stand by you, and Emmanuel Macron will reaffirm it in person during his upcoming visit to Armenia,” the French Foreign Minister said. Convinced that the Francophonie Summit will be held at the highest possible level, he highlighted the economic forum to be held on the sidelines of the Summit, especially as regards its focus on specific sectors. Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed conviction that the improvement of Armenia’s business environment will give fresh impetus to bilateral economic exchanges.

Down to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, he stressed that France is aware of its responsibility as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair country. Stressing that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue should be resolved exclusively through peaceful means, the French Foreign Minister said any violence or use of force cannot but push back the peace process.

Nikol Pashinyan and Jean-Yves Le Drian highlighted the development of EU-Armenia cooperation and the soonest possible ratification of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement on the part EU-member Staes, as well as the start of talks on visa liberalization.

Pleased with the ongoing cooperation in the field of education and culture, the parties touched upon issues related to the holding of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia and the possibility of amending the Electoral Code.