Macron: Strategic Partnership Declaration signed in Yerevan on May 5 elevates France-Armenia relations to new level

ArmInfo.  The Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in Yerevan on May 5 elevates relations between France and Armenia to a new level, establishing a long-term partnership, as stated by French President Emmanuel Macron after the signing ceremony on May 5.

The French leader reiterated his full support for Armenia's  sovereignty and territorial integrity. Issues of defense cooperation  and regional security were also discussed. France welcomed Armenia's  steps aimed at establishing lasting peace and dialogue with  Azerbaijan and Turkey. Macron noted Armenia's active participation in  the European Political Community summit and the strengthening of ties  with the EU, including the possibility of visa liberalization.  "Armenia has resolutely chosen the path of peace and prosperity,  strengthening its democracy despite trials. Armenia is moving  resolutely toward Europe and has always been a full member of the  European family. This progress in European policy, one might say, has  become evident to me over the past two days," Macron said. The French  President noted that relations between France and Armenia are based  on historical ties and brotherhood and are now entering a new phase.  "The friendship between France and Armenia was formed on the basis of  a shared history and unwavering brotherhood, and now these relations  are experiencing a new turning point," he said.

The French President emphasized that Armenia has come a long way  since his last visit in 2018, overcoming the consequences of war and  moving toward a phase of peace and development. "Armenia survived  war, then established peace, and then prosperity," Macron noted,  recalling that in recent years, the Armenian economy has demonstrated  average annual growth of approximately 6 percent. He emphasized that  the international events held in Yerevan in recent days testify to  Armenia's European development direction. "All of this was  unthinkable eight years ago: organizing the European Political  Community summit in Yerevan, organizing the Armenia-European Union  summit," Macron stated.  The French President also attached great  importance to deepening cooperation between Armenia and the European  Union, emphasizing the need to expand investment, infrastructure, and  economic ties. He stated that within the framework of European  programs, it is planned to increase investment, strengthen  cooperation in the defense sector, and advance the process of visa  liberalization. Macron noted that Armenian-French relations have  developed significantly in recent years, encompassing many areas. He  recalled France's support for Armenia at various times, including  after the 1988 earthquake and the events of 2020, when France  provided humanitarian aid. The French President also emphasized the  expansion of economic cooperation, emphasizing infrastructure  programs. He touched on projects implemented with the participation  of French companies, including the construction of the Bargushat  tunnel, as well as initiatives in the water sector, including the  development of reservoirs and irrigation systems with Veolia. He  noted that France also plays an active role in Armenia through the  French Development Agency, supporting inclusive and sustainable  development programs.  Macron noted that a new stage has opened in  bilateral relations in  defense, emphasizing the importance of the  strategic partnership agreement. "We wanted to support the  modernization of Armenia's armed forces and the strengthening of its  sovereignty," he said. The French President also emphasized the  importance of cooperation in education, science, and culture. He  highlighted the role of the French University in Armenia as a  high-quality educational institution, as well as the agreements  signed within the framework of cultural cooperation between the  National Library of France, the Yerevan Museum of Art and Literature,  and the Matenadaran.  Macron also emphasized the participation of  local governments and civil society organizations in the development  of bilateral relations, noting that Armenia occupies an important  place in the French community's cooperation programs. The French  President reaffirmed his support for Armenia's peace agenda and  regional stability. "We want and are determined to accompany you on  the path to sustainable peace," he noted.

Recall, a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership  between Armenia and France was signed in Yerevan during French  President Emmanuel Macron's state visit. The document was signed by  Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel  Macron. The parties also signed a memorandum on a public policy  lending program, an agreement with the International Heritage  Organization, and agreements on affordable housing.

Furthermore, the French state-owned company Proparco, part of the  French Development Agency, signed loan agreements with the Armenian  banks Ameriabank and Evocabank. In the defense sector, contracts were  signed between the Armenian Ministry of Defense, SOFEMA Group, and  Airbus Helicopters for the supply of equipment and transport  helicopters. FlyOne Armenia and Airbus also signed an agreement for  the purchase of two A321neo aircraft. In the cultural sector,  memoranda of cooperation were signed between the Matenadaran and the  National Library of France on written and printed heritage, as well  as between the Yeghishe Charents Museum of Literature and Art and the  National Library of France on cooperation in the library sector.