Statement by President Serzh Sargsyan at the press conference with the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy

Esteemed Mr. President,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I cordially welcome my friend – the President of the French Republic, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy and his delegation to the Republic of Armenia. The 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence has been marked also by the reciprocal visits of the Presidents of Armenia and France which bears special import and testifies to the mutual desire to preserve the dynamism of our high-level dialogue.
Today, I once again spoke with President Sarkozy about the importance Armenian attaches to the relations with France which is conditioned by the close historical ties, substantial role France plays on the international arena, the fact that France is a Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, by the presence in France of the half a million strong Armenian community and by a number of other factors.
In our relations, we have established a high-level political dialogue, interparliamentary relations develop efficiently, there are close cultural and educational ties, presence of French companies in the Armenian economy is visible, cooperation between local governance bodies is also developing successfully.
We have placed a special emphasis on the trade and economic relations and I am very glad that President Sarkozy expressed readiness to promote participation of French businesses in Armenia’s development programs. As a result of efficient meetings and discussions, we have been able to ensure most comprehensive participation of French companies to the programs implemented in different areas of the Armenian economy. We are particularly pleased with the readiness of France to engage in Armenia's energy sector, including in the construction of a new unit of the Armenian nuclear power station as well as in the infrastructure development programs which are vitally important for Armenia.
Considering France’s prominent role and standing in the European Union, we have expressed our determination to continue cooperation in the framework of Armenia-EU relations, including the Eastern Partnership program. The French side reiterated its readiness to support efforts of Armenia aimed at the Eurointegration which we greatly appreciate since beside the system of values and common civilization, we are linked to Europe by our friends and partner states, particularly, France.
With President Sarkozy, we have also exchanged views on the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh issue, problems of the South Caucasus region and situation in general. I have noted that we praise persistent efforts of France as a Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group aimed at the peaceful resolution of the NK conflict.
I have underscored that in Armenia, we attach special importance to the personal involvement of the French President in the process. It is clearly manifested in the declarations made by the Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair countries in L’Aquila, Muskoka, and, particularly, in Deauville, in the framework of the G-8 summit, which was chaired by France. Unbiased and balanced position of the great powers, particularly those like France, which have weight and repute, are perceived by the Armenian public as extremely important message aimed at the establishment in the South Caucasus of a lasting peace and enhancement of regional cooperation.
We have also spoken in detail about further developments of our initiative aimed at the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations and causes of the current stalemate. Taking this opportunity, I would like to once again thank President Sarkozy for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, a clear-cut position and unequivocal stance on Armenia-Turkey relations and Turkey’s accession to the EU as well as for the brotherly assistance provided to us through all these years.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the desire and pledge of the Armenian authorities to work toward further strengthening of the centuries-long friendship of the Armenian and French peoples.
Thank you.