“Mr. President, Dear Emmanuel,

I express my deepest gratitude to you for your decision to proclaim April 24 the Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, which you stated during the annual dinner of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France.

By noting that “The history of French Armenians is the history of France,” you paid tribute to thousands of Armenians whose dedication, hard work and contribution to the development of France was the demonstration of gratitude to the French people who hosted and helped them at the difficult time of their history. By doing so, you also emphasized the depth of our shared values and friendly ties.

Both in the past and today, the Armenians have been proud of France’s particular attitude and close communication to our problems, which is highly appreciated by our government and our people.

France was the first nation to recognize the Armenian Genocide by law, demonstrating once again its leading position in the protection and promotion of universal values, as well as in the prevention of genocides and crimes against humanity.

Reaffirming my heartfelt gratitude to you, I ask you to accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my most profound respect.”