Macron Sends Letter of Support to Prime Minister Pashinyan

French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a letter of support to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. In the letter, he stated:

“Dear Prime Minister Nikol, I recently learned about your recovery from the coronavirus and I am glad that you and your family are healthy. Today, significant challenges in terms of health, economy, and social aspects confront both France and Armenia. The crisis should not force us to retreat. On the contrary, the pandemic should serve as a unique opportunity for cooperation to combat the epidemic and its consequences.

In this spirit, I wish to assure you of France’s solidarity and its readiness to provide concrete support to Armenia. At the same time, with the unprecedented financial aid from the European Union and bilateral support, France stands by your side. In the coming days, France will send a new team of volunteer doctors to Armenia, who will replace those already present and assisting their Armenian colleagues in the fight against Covid-19.

This crisis also poses a challenge to the economies of our two countries. Thanks to the French Development Agency (AFD) operating in Armenia, France is ready to consider providing a state policy loan estimated at 50-80 million euros, which will help partially meet the additional budget financing needs that your country is facing this year. This AFD program, aiming to strengthen the country’s capacity to withstand crises, will be implemented in cooperation with other lending organizations, such as the World Bank. The emphasis can be placed on actions targeting healthcare and social protection sectors, as well as measures aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

I hope that our bonds of solidarity and friendship will emerge strengthened from this experience. Please accept, Mr. Prime Minister, my sincere assurance.”