Foreign Minister Ara Aivazyan Meets with President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher

On December 9, within the framework of a working visit to France, Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazyan met with the President of the French Senate, Gérard Larcher. The meeting was attended by the Senate's first vice-president, the chair of the committee on foreign relations, defense, and armed forces, as well as leaders of several political factions within the Senate.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the presence of intensive political dialogue between Armenia and France, based on rich historical and cultural ties and the sincere friendship between their peoples.

Minister Aivazyan thanked for the Senate's adoption of the resolution on the recognition of the Republic of Artsakh on November 25, emphasizing that it serves as an important signal to the international community and reflects the unwavering commitment of the French people to universal human rights and civilizational values.

Addressing the content of the resolution, the Minister highlighted its importance in recognizing the right to self-determination for the people of Artsakh and the fair resolution process of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. He noted that Turkey, by actively supporting Azerbaijan's military aggression against Artsakh, bears responsibility for Azerbaijan's policy of exterminating the Armenian people in their historic homeland.

The Minister also drew the attention of his French counterparts to the disrespectful treatment towards Armenian historical, cultural, and religious monuments found under Azerbaijani control, including their destruction and desecration. In this context, both parties emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage in conflict zones and the active involvement of international specialized organizations in this effort.

The meeting also discussed the humanitarian challenges resulting from the Turkish-Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Artsakh and steps to address them. An active exchange of views took place on several urgent regional issues.