Discussion Held Between Armenian and French Foreign Ministers

On February 11, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a phone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. Continuing from previous contacts, the Foreign Ministers held a comprehensive discussion on issues of regional stability and security, addressing the humanitarian situation in Artsakh and the challenges faced by the Armenian population there.

In the context of urgent humanitarian issues, the Armenian Foreign Minister emphasized the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held as hostages, highlighting the unacceptable obstacles created by Azerbaijan in this process. In this regard, Minister Mirzoyan expressed gratitude to his French counterpart for consistently raising the issue on the agenda.

The Foreign Ministers stressed the importance of addressing the peaceful settlement process in Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship and exchanged views on the upcoming schedule of the co-chairs’ activities.

The heads of the foreign policy departments of Armenia and France also discussed bilateral agenda issues. The interlocutors highly appreciated the recent visit of Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to Armenia upon the instruction of French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at discussing the prospects for cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They exchanged ideas on the further steps to be taken based on the results of the visit.

Ministers Mirzoyan and Le Drian emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing communication and consultations at various levels.