The full text of the joint declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Armenia and France has been published, which was ceremoniously signed today, May 5, by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Below is the text of the declaration.

JOINT DECLARATION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

The Republic of Armenia, on one side, and the French Republic, on the other side,

Emphasizing their desire to significantly expand and deepen their relations in various fields, particularly in political, economic, justice, defense, security, as well as in culture, humanitarian, education, university, science, social issues, environmental protection, technology, and decentralized cooperation;

Establishing that the further expansion and deepening of relations between the two countries fully aligns with the national interests and common values of Armenia and France;

Based on the historical strong friendship that unites the peoples of Armenia and France, common democratic values, cultural and human ties;

Reaffirming the commitment of the Republic of Armenia and the French Republic to respect international law, particularly the principles established by the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act;

Desiring to contribute to strengthening regional and international security, stability, and peace through the development of their bilateral relations;

Reaffirming the support of the Republic of Armenia and the French Republic for the establishment of lasting peace in the South Caucasus based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states, as well as in accordance with the principles described in the Charter of the United Nations and the 1991 Almaty Declaration;

Emphasizing the importance of the agreements reached on August 8, 2025, in Washington;

Valuing Armenia's commitment to deepen its political, economic, security, and social relations with the European Union, as expressed particularly in the law of the Republic of Armenia on the start of the accession process of the Republic of Armenia to the European Union;

They elevate the bilateral relationship between the Republic of Armenia and the French Republic to the level of strategic partnership based on the principles of the sovereignty of states, equality, and territorial integrity, respect for democratic values, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

This strategic partnership foresees comprehensive cooperation in the following areas:

1. POLITICAL DIALOGUE, BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL COOPERATION

1. The governments of the Republic of Armenia and the French Republic will continue and deepen political dialogue at all levels.
2. According to the declaration of intent signed on May 26, 2025, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, the two foreign ministries will hold regular political consultations at least once a year to continue the development of their bilateral relations and discuss issues of mutual interest. The bilateral political consultations will allow evaluating the progress made in the implementation of this declaration and establishing the measures to be taken to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between Armenia and France.
3. Within the framework of bilateral consultations, Armenia and France will discuss the deepening of Armenia’s relations with the European Union, based particularly on the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the European Union and the new strategic agenda of Armenia-EU partnership. The consultations will aim to support Armenia’s approximation to the European Union, strengthen Armenia’s sovereignty and resilience, bolster democratic institutions in Armenia, protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, facilitate trade exchanges, and encourage European investments in Armenia.
4. Armenia and France reaffirm their commitment to open and law-based multilateralism and will continue to cooperate actively within the frameworks of international organizations such as the United Nations, the International Organization of La Francophonie, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, as well as other international organizations or summits, such as the European Political Community, on issues of mutual interest.
5. Armenia and France reaffirm their commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law and will promote close cooperation in the fields of democratic institutions, human rights, and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, effective governance, and the fight against corruption. This cooperation will unfold in bilateral format and within international institutions.
6. Armenia and France reaffirm their commitment to guarantees of gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls, as well as their commitment to combating all forms of inequality and violence by enhancing public policies, supporting civil society actions, and developing multilateral cooperation. Armenia will take all necessary steps to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence.

2. SECURITY AND DEFENSE

1. Armenia and France will develop their cooperation in the fields of security, defense, military education, military-technical, and military-technological areas.
2. Armenia and France will implement their cooperation in the defense sector on a long-term basis, in particular through industrial cooperation in the defense sector aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
3. To assess the results of their cooperation and outline new pathways, Armenia and France will continue high-level dialogues at the level of the General Staff of the armed forces (General Staff meetings) and will hold regular consultations between the relevant ministries (Strategic dialogues).
4. Armenia and France will deepen their cooperation within international frameworks on all issues related to international and regional security, as well as defense and security issues of mutual interest, such as arms control and non-proliferation.
5. Armenia and France express their intention to strengthen their cooperation within international peacekeeping missions, particularly through France’s support for expanding Armenia’s participation in those missions, including within the framework of the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy.
6. Armenia and France will develop their cooperation in the field of the defense industry. This potential cooperation may serve as a basis for the signing of special agreements between Armenian and French companies representing the defense industry and research fields.
7. To develop cooperation in defense research, development, and innovation, Armenia and France will continue high-level dialogue between the relevant ministries and agencies through periodic consultations conducted between Armenia's Ministry of High-Tech Industry’s Defense Industry Committee and France’s Ministry of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs’ Defense Innovation Agency.

3. ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND CONNECTIVITY

1. Armenia and France will develop and expand their economic and trade relations as a continuation of efforts made within the framework of the “Roadmap for Armenian-French Economic Cooperation for 2021-2026.” During bilateral political consultations, Armenia and France will ensure the implementation and coordination of their economic cooperation in collaboration with the relevant ministries.
2. Armenia and France will strengthen their cooperation, particularly in the fields of infrastructure and sustainable transport, agriculture and food security, healthcare, innovation and digitalization, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, waste management, environment, natural resource valuation, and financial services.
3. Armenia and France will continue their efforts in favor of inclusive connectivity projects that benefit the peoples of the region, particularly through the Armenian “Peace Interchange” initiative, the TRIP project and initiatives presented by the European Union, notably within the framework of the Global Gateways strategy, in accordance with the priorities set in the new strategic agenda of Armenia-EU partnership.
4. Armenia and France will continue and deepen their cooperation in the fields of renewable energy and civilian nuclear energy.
5. Armenia and France will develop their cooperation in the area of critical minerals and metals.
6. Armenia and France will continue their cooperation on water and irrigation issues to ensure the sustainable management and use of the resource. They will support the activities of the French Development Agency and the initiatives undertaken in the framework of decentralized cooperation, and will also contribute to the dialogue and cooperation between private and public stakeholders in the sector in both countries.

4. GLOBAL CHALLENGES

1. Armenia and France will strengthen their cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting innovation, and ensuring the ecological and energy transition to a green economy, as well as protecting the environment and biodiversity. Armenia and France will closely cooperate within international organizations on global challenges.
2. In the context of climate change, Armenia and France reaffirm their readiness to achieve the goals set by the Paris Agreement of December 12, 2015. Armenia and France will work together and implement the global review decision adopted during COP28 aimed at transitioning energy systems from fossil fuels. In this context, Armenia and France will discuss practical measures to achieve this goal, as well as to reach climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the target of limiting the rise in the average global temperature by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels as set by the Paris Agreement. Armenia and France will strive to implement adaptation and mitigation programs in the most affected sectors by mobilizing targeted funds and financial mechanisms, including through the implementation of the “debt for climate” mechanism.
3. In the area of biodiversity, Armenia and France reaffirm their commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and will deepen their cooperation for the protection of terrestrial, coastal, and marine areas. France will support Armenia in preparing for and successfully holding the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) to be held in Yerevan in 2026. The first global review should allow for the acceleration of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. France will support Armenia during its presidency at COP17.
4. Armenia and France will strengthen their cooperation in the healthcare sector to enhance their prevention capacities by applying the “One Health” approach and improving the resilience of health systems to pandemics and global health crises, in line with international agreements in this area. Armenia and France will specifically collaborate to achieve the goals of comprehensive health insurance and digitalization of health systems (including the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare). The parties will organize training courses and exchange programs for health professionals, as well as personnel involved in the organization and management of healthcare. Armenia and France will establish regular dialogue on global health issues within the framework of international organizations.

5. EDUCATION, SCIENCE, CULTURE, SPORT, AND YOUTH

1. Armenia and France will strengthen cooperation between universities, schools, and vocational education institutions (artisan or continuous) by promoting the implementation of exchange programs, retraining, and masterclasses using, among other things, the Erasmus+ tool. Armenia and France will deepen their university cooperation by developing dual or joint diploma programs, particularly within the framework of the French university in Armenia.
2. Recognizing the importance of visits by scientists, experts, and research teams, as well as the implementation of joint research programs and scientific events, Armenia and France will conduct joint research works in areas of mutual interest, mobility programs for researchers, and will implement cooperation between France’s national research bodies and Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports’ Higher Education and Science Committee.
3. France welcomes Armenia’s significant “Academic City” project. Recognizing the potential of the “Academic City” project as an ambitious initiative in the field of science and higher education, Armenia and France will cooperate to jointly develop the project for the placement of the French university in the Academic City and support the involvement of leading French universities in the project.
4. Armenia and France will support the teaching of French in Armenia and Armenian in France. Armenia and France recognize the importance of their membership in the International Organization of La Francophonie, as well as the role of the French university in Armenia, the Armenian French Institute, and the Anatole France Armenian International School. Armenia and France will support the development of the Anatole France Armenian International School, viewing it as a pillar of educational cooperation between the two countries. Armenia and France will promote the translation and publication of Armenian literature in France, as well as Francophone literature in Armenia. Armenia and France recognize the contribution of the media to the development of Francophonie, particularly the international information media such as “France24” and “RFI,” which Armenia and France will support in their promotion. Regarding the multilateral media “TV5Monde” and the digital platform “TV5MondePlus,” both countries can facilitate their promotion and broadcasting.
5. Armenia and France will contribute to cultural dialogue at both bilateral and multilateral levels. They will strengthen their cooperation in the field of cultural heritage preservation, particularly within the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Alliance for Heritage Conservation (ALIF). Armenia and France will make efforts to promote cooperation among their national commissions for UNESCO.
6. Armenia and France will strengthen their cooperation in the fields of museums, heritage, and archaeology by promoting the transfer of experience in preservation and restoration through educational initiatives, notably through the National Institute of Heritage.
7. Armenia and France will encourage cooperation in artistic creation and cultural and creative industries, as well as the exchange of ideas. They will promote partnerships between Armenian and French cultural institutions, their mutual presence at major events on the cultural agenda of both countries, the implementation of professional meetings, and artists’ residency programs.
8. Armenia and France will promote the exchange of experience and strengthen cooperation between the Armenian Cinema Foundation, the French National Center of Cinema and Animated Image, and the French Cinémathèque.
9. Armenia and France will promote interactions between the youth of both countries, particularly through the implementation of joint programs, participation in volunteer work, and development of school partnerships.
10. Armenia and France will strengthen their cooperation in the sports sector through the exchange of experience in organizing major sporting events, particularly in the context of the 2027 Francophonie Games, as well as through training for exchanges between sports movements, particularly for high-level athletes, and regarding inclusion issues.

6. DECENTRALIZED COOPERATION AND CIVIL SOCIETY

1. Armenia and France acknowledge the role of territorial units and civil society organizations of Armenia and France in deepening relations between the two countries. Armenia and France will promote the development of decentralized cooperation and support civil society initiatives.
2. Armenia and France will continue to promote decentralized cooperation in the fields of economic, agricultural, tourism, cultural, educational, and health sectors, as well as in other areas of mutual interest while ensuring the rights of stakeholders to determine the details of cooperation terms.
3. Armenia and France emphasize the importance of periodic communication, reciprocal visits, and exchanges of information between the direct actors of decentralized cooperation.
4. Armenia and France will organize decentralized cooperation conferences in succession in Armenia and France at least once every three years.