On November 8 Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Mayor of Marseille, Senator Jean-Claude Gaudin opened the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in Marseille. Members of the French Parliament, politicians, social, cultural figures as well as representatives of the Armenian community were present at the event.

Delivering a welcoming address at the opening ceremony Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian stressed the importance of establishing the Consulate General in Marseille stressing that Marseille has a special meaning for the Armenian people.
“The presence of Armenians in Marseille is recorded still in the early middle ages. Armenian merchants who were involved in favorable trade between the East and West were also active in this city”- Minister Nalbandian said.

“Marseille became the first French city to host thousands of Armenians who survived the Genocide. Many of them established themselves here, became real Marseillians and bring their contribution to the development of the city till today.

I want to express my gratitude to the regional, district and community authorities of Marseille for consistent support to the Armenians of Marseille and for their important contribution in enhancing French-Armenian relations.”

Congratulating the guests upon the opening of the Consulate General, Minister Nalbandian expressed confidence that headed by the Consul General Vartan Sirmakes it will have an important role in developing and deepening of Armenian-French relations.”

In his speech Jean-Claude Gaudin stressed that it is a great honor for him to be present at the opening ceremony of the first Armenian Consulate General in France as he has the warmest attitude towards the Armenian people and supports the development of comprehensive cooperation with Armenia.

The Mayor of Marseille stated with confidence that Armenians had a great contribution in the development and progress of Marseille and they act like a unique bridge of strengthening friendship between Armenia and France. He underlined that the cities of Marseille and Yerevan collaborate in the areas of education, culture, sport, healthcare, etc. Jean-Claude Gaudin expressed assurance that the functioning of the Consulate General of Armenia will trigger further development of Armenian-French friendly relations.

The opening ceremony of the Consulate General was live broadcasted on the local television and was widely covered by media.