High-level Armenian-French negotiations took place in Paris

Today, at the Élysée Palace there took place a meeting between the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who is in France of official visit, and the President of France François Hollande. At the conclusion of the meeting, signed were documents aimed at the development and deepening of the Armenian-French relations in a number of areas. In particular, the agreement betweent the Government of the Republic of Armenia and Government of the French Republic on the French University in Armenia, Memorandum of Intentions betweent the Ministry of Foreing Affairs and International Development of France and the RA Ministry of Economic Development and Investments on the cooperation in the area of tourism, a framework cooperation agreement between the RA National Academy and French University of Armenia, l'Université Fédérale Toulouse midi-Pyrénées, National Center for Scientific Research, National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse, Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse 1 Capitole University, and the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès.

The Presidents of Armenia and France recapped the results of the negotiations with the joint statements for the mass media.

 
***
Statement by President Serzh Sargsyan for the mass media on the results of the meeting with the President of France Francois Hollande

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I thank President Hollande for the invitation to visit France in this momentous, the 25th year of the Armenian-French interstate relations and warm welcome which I enjoy always on this land which became so dear. This is the best moment to recap together our achievements of twenty-five years and to discuss future steps.

An interesting fact: throught the last 25 years, at the presidential level alone there have taken place 25 visits. This proves that the Armenian-French relations constantly remain in the center of attention and consideration.

Moments ago, we have concluded our negotiations; we discussed numerous issues of mutual interest. I would like to state with satisfaction that on all issues our approaches are very close: it relates to our bilateral ties as well as to the pressing regional issues and events.

There is no doubt that the centuries-long Armenian-French relations and historical and cultural ties, as well as the non-existence of political problems constitute a solid base which allows our relations to expand further in the atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.

We stated with satisfactoin our achievements: a steadfast political dialogue, active interparliamentary, economic, scientific, educational and cultural ties, deepening decentralized cooperation, mutually beneficial cooperation in the internatonal settings, assistance programs implemented by France in Armenia, mutual support on significant international issues, as well as the creation of a comprehensive legal field.
Today, we have made yet another step towards deepening our relaitons, signing significant documents for the estblishement in Armenia of the branch of the French Development Agency and PROPARKO, cooperation in the areas of tourism, inter-university ties, science and education as well as in the area of diplomatic service.

There is no doubt that the high level political dialogue constitutes a base for the efficient economic cooperation. Even thought our economic relations have not reached the level of our political ties, we are taking resolute steps in that direction.
In this context, the MEDEF business forum organized in the framework of the visit is very important; it, I am confident, will become a serious platform for the invigoration of the contacts between the business circles of our two countries, the increase of the volumes of the bilataral trade and expansion of its framework.

Certainly, another important area of the Armenian-French cooperation is the European format. We cooperate efficiently and cordially in all European structures and will continue to do so at all levels. One week ago, in Brussels with President Tusk we announced the conclusion of the negotiatios on the Armenia-EU comprehensive and extended new agreement which means that very soon the relations between Armenia and the European Union will acquire a totally new quality and scope. France, just on other vital and significant for Armenia issues, on this too was by our side, enhancing the advancement at every stage of cooperation.
With President Hollande we discussed also issues related to the Summit of Francophonie to be held in Armenia in 2018. I reiterated our pledge to conduct it at the highest possible level, and I will hold the event in the center of my immediate attention.

We have also spoken about the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia which, in my opinion, will become a step forward on the road leading towards making Armenia a democratic country, with the rule of law. We see no alternative route for development. Armenia has set the bar very high and with the assistance of her Western partners will move steadfastly to reach that bar.

Certainly, with the President of France we have also discussed regional issues and the NK peace process which occupies a pivotal role in the political dialogue of our countries. I thanked President Hollande for the efforts aimed at the peaceful resolution of the issue on the personal level as well as in his capacity as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.

Armenia is committed to the peace process conducted in the framework of the MG Co-Chairs and believes that it is necessary to unconditionally implement agreements reached at the Summits in Vienna and Saint Petersburg and first of all to observe the trilateral ceasefire agreement of 1994-95, create mechanisms for the investigation of the incidendes, expand the capabilities of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.

In making decisions it is necessary to be guided by a reasonable approach that a war would cast a irreparable blow for the entire South Caucasus region, if not a larger region and the security at large. The essence of the NK issue is the struggle of the people of Artsakh for self-determination. People are in the core of the right for self-determination with their lives and the unalienable right for freedom which means that all other issues must be subordinate to it.

In conclusion, I would like to express confidence that the friendly relations between Armenia and France and our close partnership will continue to deepen and strengthen.

Thank you.

***

 President of France François Hollande made a statement for the mass media on the results of the meeting with the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan

I am very pleased to host the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.
He has been here at the Élysée Palace for many times but today’s visit is special because Armenia and France celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Besides, today is the International Women’s Day, and I know that in Armenia it’s a holiday. It shows the importance Armenia attaches to the protection of women’s rights.

This visit is an occasion to remind of the mutual strength of the Armenian-French friendship.

This is a friendship, which on one hand is reinforced by the presence in France of our compatriots of the Armenian descent but at the same time it is mutual because it’s been a long time since we recognized the Armenian Genocide. On our behalf it’s a manifestation of the fact that the international community will never accept the annihilation of a nation which became a revenge target of the state or another nation.
We view the recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a means for establishing peace: peace of mind and peace between the countries. We have always wanted to include the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in a more global process, where we pay attention to all crimes which are regrettably possible to commit against humanity and war crimes. That’s why we wanted to have a resolution which would be adopted and would be able to punish those who deny the Genocide or existence of crimes against humanity.

Our friendship is mutual also because there exist relations which after Armenia’s independence went through important developments, particularly in the economic area: multiple French companies have made investments in Armenia, in different areas such as industry, tourism, telecommunications, services, etc.

However, we believe that we can do more and for that very reason President Sargsyan met with the MEDEF and also tonight, during the state dinner new contacts will be established to encourage future investments. At the same time, Armenia maintains important relations with Russia and Iran. Especially with Russia, as Armenia is a member to the Eurasian Economic Union thus can have close trade relations with other members of that Union. At the same time, Armenia is linked to Europe and today conducts negotiations over a framework agreement.

We have also referred to the inter-university and cultural ties; important agreements have been signed. As you know, the French University is functioning in Armenia which has agreements with the prestigious French scientific and university establishments, and today a new one has been added. These agreements will allow Armenia to utilize our talent; we are also eager to receive more and more Armenian students. There are also linguistic ties: Armenia is a member to the International Organization of Francophonie and in 2018 will be hosting the Summit of the Organization. I believe this is a compelling responsibility which has been assumed by Armenia this time.

We have also spoken of our political relations, particularly about how France can help. It was mentioned that France is involved in the NK peace process. France, together with the US and Russia, is a OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, and we are willing to work towards the resolution of the issue.

First, it is necessary to refrain from the recurrence of the incidents of recent weeks and months, to have the mechanism for the investigation of the incidents, which would allow to prevent such incidents and punish for the actions which threaten peace.

Also, we want to find a political solution, and France has reiterated her commitment to Armenia and Azerbaijan - certainly together with other Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group – to finding a lasting solution.

I would like to note that the visit of President Sargsyan is a very much waited for visit; he will be exceptionally hosted not only in Paris but also in Lyon. Lyon and Armenia have extensive ties. It should be underscored that all regions of France carry out close decentralized cooperation with their Armenian partners.

In conclusion, I would like to refer to the event which is very important and emotional for me. I am speaking of the Armenian Genocide, the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of that horrendous tragedy. I was in Yerevan at that time and my presence there proved once again that France will continue to fight for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.