Personal Relationships with the French President Play a Major Role: Lecornu to Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed the delegation headed by French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, who is on an official visit to the Republic of Armenia.

In welcoming the French Minister of Defense and his delegation, the Prime Minister stated: "Dear Minister, I welcome you and your delegation to the Republic of Armenia. This is your first visit to the Republic of Armenia as France's Minister of Defense, and in this respect, it is already historical. I want to thank you for your support in shaping and implementing our bilateral agenda. I must emphasize that the changes taking place in our security situation and in our cooperation are logical and justified. Of course, while expressing my gratitude, I must also consider it logical that France is one of the first countries to respond to our decision to diversify our relations in the security sphere, because as we had the chance to discuss in Paris over the past two days, our relations are very deep and multi-layered, and it is logical that these relations should also be expressed in the field of defense and security. I also want to emphasize that in my discussions with President Macron, the security component has always been present, and I am now happy that these discussions are receiving concrete expression, including with your support."

In turn, Sébastien Lecornu noted: "Thank you for these words and for the reception. You moved the French people with your presence in the Pantheon. It can be said that this was a very unique week for our two republics. As I mentioned to the media representatives I just met with, there was indeed a certain fragmentation—on the one hand, the warm friendly relations we had, and on the other, the defense sector, which was still not fully realized. I believe that your personal relationships with the French President play a significant role in this progress. I think it is based on trust, and let me say that our bilateral trust is also very important. I believe that we have laid out a very concrete path for ourselves with your defense minister. Given the threats looming over Armenia, we are compelled to move more quickly. In other words, it is very important for us to respond quickly and organize our actions. Much was already in progress, but thanks to the bilateral relations and the meeting you had with President Macron, it allowed us to move forward this morning in the same directions you outlined in Paris together."

The interlocutors discussed the work done in the field of defense cooperation and upcoming plans. They emphasized the importance of Armenia-France cooperation in the context of reforms in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, including military education, combat training, and other areas. They also exchanged views on issues related to regional security and stability.