France to help Armenia cope with challenges - Marseille mayor

ArmInfo.  Mayor of Marseille Benoit Payan, who headed the French delegation, at a meeting with Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, stated France's readiness to make every effort to help overcome the challenges facing the Armenian people.

As reported by the press office of the Mother See of Etchmiadzin, the  Catholicos noted at a meeting with the delegation consisting of  representatives of the city government and the Armenian community  that this visit, which is taking place in difficult times for  Armenians, is another evidence of the Armenian-French friendship and  support provided by the French authorities.

In this regard, His Holiness stressed the importance of close  cooperation between the city authorities of Marseille and the  Armenian community. Garegin II also recalled that a large number of  Armenians who survived the Genocide found refuge in Marseille, where  they were able to organize their national and spiritual life and make  a significant contribution to the development of the country.

In turn, the Mayor of Marseille drew attention to the historical ties  between the Armenian and French peoples and emphasized the importance  of the contribution and active participation of the local Armenian  community and national organizations in the development of the city.  During the visit, the French delegation, headed by the Mayor of  Marseille Benoit Payan, also visited the Tsitsernakaberd memorial  complex to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and the Yerablur  military pantheon.