Monday, September 16 2024 10:51

ArmInfo.The strong friendship between the Armenian and French peoples is the driving force behind the exceptional relations developing between France and Armenia. This was stated by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at a joint press conference with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne on September 16. 

Pointing to the existence of a strong partnership between Armenia and  France at all levels, Mirzoyan noted that he was glad to see that the  agenda of bilateral relations is constantly being enriched and  replenished with new elements. At the same time, the Armenian  minister particularly highlighted the economic sphere and the sphere  of increasing sustainability in these relations.

"Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit the Vedi reservoir, the  construction of which is nearing completion and will soon be put into  operation. This is a clear example of the Armenian-French partnership  and just one example of the substantive agenda of our cooperation.  And soon you will see new manifestations of this cooperation," the  minister noted. 

He then touched upon France's assistance in strengthening relations  between Armenia and the EU. In this vein, Mirzoyan drew attention to  the fact that an official dialogue between Armenia and the European  Union on visa liberalization has started, moreover, Yerevan will also  receive support within the framework of the European Peace  Instrument. He also recalled that for two years now, EU civil mission  specialists have been patrolling the Armenian-Azerbaijani border from  the Armenian side.

Mirzoyan also touched upon the processes in the region and reaffirmed  Armenia's commitment to building a lasting peace in the region. "We  have repeatedly reaffirmed our commitment to the peace agenda. We  recently submitted to Azerbaijan the latest version of our proposals  on the draft peace treaty, which contains only the agreed points,"  the Armenian Foreign Minister noted, noting France's assistance to  the peace process. He thanked the French side for its support in this  process. "I want to say again that we are ready to sign a peace  treaty with Azerbaijan as soon as possible, which, in fact,  recognizes the territorial integrity of the two countries based on  the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1991," the Armenian minister said.