France supporting Armenian government`s efforts to reach peace with  Azerbaijan - ambassador

ArmInfo.  France supports the courageous efforts of the Armenian government at the diplomatic level to achieve peace with Azerbaijan and normalize relations in the  region.  This was stated by the French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier  Decottignies at a gala reception at the French Embassy in Yerevan on  the occasion of Bastille Day.

In his welcoming speech, the diplomat recalled that July 14, which  has become a national holiday in France, symbolizes the French  Revolution, which unites the principles of freedom, equality and  fraternity.

"The sum of these principles is not only the principles of the French  people, but also the aspirations of all peoples and the achievements  of all democracies. Our Armenian friends know this well, because they  have broken many chains and overthrown many Bastille. A nation saved  from genocide, a state freed from the power of empires, as well as a  democracy strengthened by the will of the people, is wealth for the  world and hope for the region. For us, the French, Armenia is a  fraternal republic. These are not just words," added Decottignies. 

The diplomat noted that the close ties between the two countries are  also evidenced by the fact that on Bastille Day, a meeting was held  between the President of France and the Prime Minister of Armenia at  the Elysee Palace in Paris, and the Speaker of the Armenian  Parliament attended the celebrations in Paris.

He added that in 2024, Armenia and France celebrated the 100th  anniversary of Charles Aznavour and buried the remains of Missak and  Melina Manouchian in the Paris Pantheon.

"This year, we also remember Admiral Du Fournet, who, in the summer  of 1915, together with the sailors of the French Third Fleet, saved  more than 4,000 Armenians from the Genocide on Mount Musa Dagh in the  Mediterranean. He acted without any instructions, true to his  conscience and with the honor befitting a French officer. 110 years  later, a tribute was paid to him at the Armenian Genocide Memorial  Complex in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and  France. 110 years later, the spirit of Musa Dagh continues to inspire  us, Armenians and French. Our relations have never been so fruitful  and trusting," Decottignies noted, adding that Armenia is also a  crossroads of international relations.

In this vein, he noted that in 2026, Yerevan will host the Conference  of the Parties on Biodiversity and the European Political Community  Summit. According to him, Paris will be with its Armenian friends at  these important events. The diplomat then touched upon the  Armenian-French cooperation in the defense sector and noted that it  is also developing steadily. "It is aimed at allowing Armenia to  protect its population, territory and sovereignty. We are happy to  contribute to the armament, training and consulting of Armenian  soldiers. Our thoughts are with those who are now monitoring  everyone's safety," the French Ambassador said. 

Speaking about economic cooperation, Decottignies noted that it is  also developing steadily. In particular, Armenia has entrusted the  French company Idemiya with the issuance of passports and identity  cards for citizens; Carrefour continues to expand in Armenia; Mistral  is establishing a partnership with Armenia in the field of artificial  intelligence; Richel Group is building the latest generation  agricultural greenhouses in Gegharkunik.

"Large projects are being implemented, especially in the  infrastructure sector. The Vedi reservoir project is of particular  importance. Since Armenia gained independence, there has been no  similar large reservoir construction in the country, which is  financed by a loan from the French Development Agency. The  construction of the reservoir will be completed this fall," he noted.

The diplomat also stressed that France supported the start of  negotiations with Armenia on visa liberalization and will continue to  support the aspirations of this country, which is boldly moving  towards Europe.

"In humanitarian terms, the French side continues to support Armenian  refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and supports Armenia, which hosts  them. Two years after the forced displacement, we have not forgotten  them.

The President of France outlined a course for us, according to which  France's support for Armenia is unconditional, complete and  permanent. This support will be resolutely continued through common  programs that will be implemented through joint efforts. Support will  continue in all areas: culture, diplomacy, education, Francophonie,  defense, ecology, infrastructure," said Decottignies, adding that the  French side is paying increased attention to vulnerable regions.