PARIS — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the Élysée Palace on Thursday to discuss issues related to the Armenia-France agenda ahead of a summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).
The importance of consistent steps for developing and strengthening friendly relations was emphasized. Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted France’s unwavering support and reiterated Armenia’s commitment to advancing all areas of mutual interest.
President Macron reaffirmed France’s unconditional support for Armenia and expressed his readiness to continue the development of bilateral relations. The leaders also discussed the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, with Pashinyan reaffirming his intention to sign an initial peace deal with Azerbaijan, noting that 80 percent of the points in the draft have been agreed upon. Armenia is prepared to sign the treaty and proceed with further discussions. Pashinyan emphasized steps taken to ensure peace and stability in the region, expressing his belief that signing the agreement would contribute to resolving the issue.
Discussions also covered the “Crossroads of Peace” project, an initiative by the Armenian Government. Pashinyan stressed Armenia’s readiness to unblock regional communications based on the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, reciprocity, and equality. Macron expressed France’s support for Armenia’s efforts toward peace and stability and welcomed the Crossroads of Peace project.
The social issues faced by people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the Armenian Government’s housing program, were also addressed. Pashinyan and Macron underscored the importance of consistent international support in resolving these challenges.
Additionally, the leaders discussed Armenia-EU cooperation. Pashinyan expressed his expectation for France’s continued support in Armenia’s collaboration with the EU and commended the role of the EU mission in Armenia. He also highlighted France’s important role in initiating the visa liberalization dialogue with the EU and supporting Armenia through the European Peace Fund.
