Tuesday, January 23 2018 12:34

ArmInfo. Armenia overcomes difficulties, strengthening through democratic reforms democratic institutions, stimulating the development of a free market economy, the growth of information technology, the implementation of innovative ideas. This was stated at the reception in the City Hall of Paris, attended by representatives of the Armenian community, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit to France.

"My dear compatriots, I am glad also for your presence in this warm atmosphere: in your person the French Armenians have a special place in the prosperity of this city, this country, with diligence, intellectual potential and worthy appearance.Every time visiting Paris and other places in France, where many Armenians, I can see how deeply our historical ties are, according to the famous son of the French people Victor Hugo, "Paris opens its doors and the people come here, captivated by a huge magnet." This magnet is French the people whose hospitable and philanthropic spirit once again showed their worth when they gave the chance to our compatriots who survived the Armenian Genocide to find refuge in this wonderful country.

"We are grateful, Madam, that, as at that time, now and now French Armenians, the Parisian Armenians concern of the French authorities, "the Armenian leader said. Taking this opportunity, the Armenian leader expressed his respect to the compatriots who were near to Armenia in the days of the devastating earthquake imposed by the Artsakh war, which are next to it today, during the construction of the Motherland of a dream. At the same time, Sargsyan stressed that from year to year the international involvement of Armenia is also increasing, as a stable and reliable partner, the existing ties with traditional partners are being strengthened.

According to him, in this respect, of course, the agreement on comprehensive and expanded partnership signed with the European Union in November 2017, the full implementation, which is a priority obligation for Armenia, was significant. "2018 is important for us, and among other events, this year we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia, the 2800th anniversary of the founding of Yerevan, and in the autumn we will host the 17th summit of the international organization of the Francophone. If course, al these events are very important for us, and the summit of Francophone is of special importance for Armenia, because it is probably the biggest event in its coverage and it shows the faith and general trust in the attitude towards our country from this organization uniting half the world .I gladly invite all of you to attend I am pleased to note that in recent years effective cooperation has also been established between the Yerevan Municipality and the International Association of Cities of Francophonie, within the framework of which there is constant support for the promotion of the Francophonie in Yerevan, "the Armenian leader said.

At the same time, Sargsyan stressed that he attaches great importance to the cooperation that takes place between Armenia and France at the decentralized level. According to him, the numerous joint programs implemented in the framework of more than seven dozens of agreements on cooperation in the spheres of tourism, agriculture, education, culture, health and other fields are not only of socio-economic importance for Armenia, but also are important from the point of transfer of values.

"Of course, we will strive for the implementation of European norms and criteria in Yerevan and other cities of Armenia, the transformation of our cities into more beautiful, convenient for residents and visitors, I am glad that in 2017 Paris was recognized as the most creative city in Europe within the framework of the program" Horizon 2020 " "I am sure that our capital has much to learn from Paris, in terms of good management experience, new technologies and implementation of environmental protection programs," Sargsyan summed up.