Saturday, 4 July 2015
Armenian, French Premiers Meet in Paris
On July 3, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan met with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls. Thankful for a warm reception, Hovik Abrahamyan said, “Armenian-French relations are at the highest level today. This is evidenced by an all-inclusive dialogue, warm personal relations and extensive contacts between the Presidents of our countries.”
Highlighting the development of economic relations, Hovik Abrahamyan noted with satisfaction that the Armenian-French economic cooperation is becoming increasingly comprehensive and has the potential for further expansion. Noting that the last visit paid to France by an Armenian prime minister dates back to 2007, Hovik Abrahamyan expressed confidence that visits in this format will become regular.
“France continues to hold a leading position among EU countries in terms of investments made in Armenia. Nevertheless, we have much to do in order to stimulate bilateral trade,” the Prime Minister of Armenia pointed out.
Welcoming the guests and highly appreciating the French-Armenian cooperation, Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the two peoples’ friendly relations are deeply rooted in history. In this context, he noted the importance of developing economic exchanges, as they still fall short of the political dialogue.
Mr Valls considered it important to expand the ongoing interaction in the fields of science, education, agriculture, tourism, migration and other areas. In terms of trade and economic cooperation, the importance of business forums was emphasized on both sides.
As to the development of interstate relations, the two heads of government praised the role of the Armenian community in France. In the context of deepening bilateral relations, they noted the importance of effective cooperation in the field of education, including the activities of the French educational institutions operational in Armenia.
Addressing the question of the Armenian Genocide, Prime Minister Abrahamyan stated in part, “We are grateful to the French authorities for significant contribution to the cause of recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. We appreciate the participation of an official delegation from France, headed by President Francois Hollande, in Genocide Centenary commemorations on April 24. We are also grateful to you for brilliant remarks delivered at the memorial ceremony held on April 24 next to the statue to Komitas in Paris.”
The interlocutors took the opportunity to discuss deepening of EU-Armenia cooperation, settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and other regional issues. Both sides stressed the need for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in the OSCE Minsk Group format. The parties also discussed the issue of simplification of EU visas for Armenian citizens.
In conclusion, Hovik Abrahamyan invited his French counterpart to pay an official visit to Armenia.
