President Vahagn Khachaturyan received Delegation Led by Mayor of Marseille Benoît Payan

President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan received the delegation led by Benoît Payan, Mayor of Marseille, France.

Welcoming the delegation’s visit to Armenia, the President noted: “France holds a special role and significance for the Republic of Armenia. In the past thirty years, we have not had such close relations, which, of course, are shaped by traditions and based on the historical ties between our peoples. Marseille holds a particular place in this context, as with warmth and compassion it welcomed our compatriots who had escaped the Genocide, and over the decades they have become exemplary citizens of Marseille and contributed to the city. I would also like to thank You for initiating and deepening the cooperation with Yerevan.”

Mayor Benoît Payan expressed gratitude for the reception and stated: “Our visit is very meaningful and important for us because we represent Marseille, where Armenians have played, continue to play, and undoubtedly will keep playing an important role. Marseille, as a city, in a certain way, carries a part of the Armenian identity.”

During the meeting, the sides discussed the agenda concerning the further development and expansion of decentralized cooperation between France and Armenia. The advancement of cooperation between Marseille and Yerevan was highlighted positively.

They also addressed ways to strengthen close cooperation between the local self-government bodies of Armenia and France. The sides touched upon the multifaceted collaboration between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres.

Special attention was given to cooperation in the field of high technologies and ongoing joint programs. In this context, the necessity of adopting and applying best French practices was emphasized.

The discussion also included an exchange of views on the effective cooperation between Armenia and France in the defense sector, stressing the importance of continued efforts in this direction.

Both sides underlined the importance of establishing stable and lasting peace in the region. Mayor of Marseille Benoît Payan reaffirmed France’s full support for Armenia’s position on peace, within the framework of strict adherence to international law, principles, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.