French President Francois Hollande is satisfied with the current level of Armenian-French relations and with the role of the Armenian community in the social- political life of his country.
During a joint press-conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in Yerevan on Tuesday, Hollande stressed the need to intensify economic ties. He said that the blockade of Armenia complicates Armenian-French trade. "But we should still try to convince French investors that Armenia has favorable conditions for investing," Hollande said.
The French President is ready to support the OSCE Minsk Group's efforts to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and, particularly, to organize a meeting between the Armenian and Azeri presidents in Paris.
Concerning the Armenia-EU relations, Hollande said that it is necessary to convince the EU to carry out different projects in Armenia and to show a special approach to help the country to develop its economy.
Hollande confirmed his plans to visit Armenia in 2015 and to attend the events commemorating the 100th year of the Armenian Genocide. He said that France will always be at Armenia's side as French-Armenian friendship is based on close cultural-historical relations.
Sargsyan said that seven new cooperation agreements were signed during Hollande's visit to Armenia. "We are ready to enlarge our cooperation. As of today France has invested almost $1bln in Armenia and has almost 180 companies on our market. And one more French company, Carrefour, will join them shortly." Sargsyan said.
According to the Armenian President, Hollande and he have also discussed regional problems, Turkey's role in the events in Kessab and Turkey's blockade of Armenia. Sargsyan confirmed his commitment to deepen relations with the EU. He thanked France for having recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide and for being ready to criminalize its denial. "This is especially important considering Turkey's denial policy and the forthcoming 100th year of the Genocide," Sargsyan said. According to him, Hollande's intention to visit Armenia in 2015 proves his devotion to the Armenian people.