Looking Forward: Pashinyan Invites Macron to Yerevan This Autumn

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. After the welcoming ceremony, the leaders of the two countries made statements to the media.

In his remarks, Pashinyan expressed, "Thank you, esteemed Mr. President, dear Emmanuel. First, allow me to express my gratitude for the invitation. As you mentioned today, we have a very broad agenda to discuss. I want to emphasize that the President of France has long had a planned visit to the Republic of Armenia, which did not take place last year due to the coronavirus. I hope we can overcome the coronavirus and other crises together. I warmly look forward to your visit in the autumn, Mr. President, we await you in Yerevan."

Pashinyan highlighted the privileged relationship between France and Armenia, noting that throughout this period, the Armenian people and the Republic of Armenia have always felt the personal support of France and President Macron. He underscored the importance of Macron's consistent advocacy for truth since the onset of the crisis in the region, a voice that has been heard worldwide. "This is very important for us. I want to emphasize that France and President Macron continue that commitment, which is extremely important for overcoming the crisis situations in our region," he added.

Pashinyan further stressed the significance of France's role as a co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group, calling attention to the co-chair's activities in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and regional crises, as well as establishing long-lasting peace and stability. "I am very pleased that since the end of the war, the co-chairs have already issued three statements indicating their readiness to mutually engage and restore the negotiations regarding the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Today, we will also discuss those possibilities," he said.

"I want to express my gratitude to France for the humanitarian assistance provided during this time, but we emphasize the importance of France's economic involvement. There are many programs in Armenia—both infrastructural, energy, and economic—where France's involvement is extremely important to us. I am pleased to note that the French government and President Macron himself are also interested in participating in these programs," Pashinyan concluded.