On January 23, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received Annick Girardin, Minister of State for Development and Francophonie of France.

Welcoming the guest, Minister Nalbandian outlined Armenia’s commitment to strengthen privileged relations with friendly France in all the areas. In this regard, Edward Nalbandian attached importance to the organization of mutual high-level visits on regular basis.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Annick Girardin highlighted that France attaches significance to the strengthening and expansion of multidimensional cooperation with friendly Armenia, also as one of the most active members of the La Francophonie family.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on issues of deepening bilateral partnership in different fields, development of inter-parliamentary ties, decentralized cooperation, as well as in the field of education.

The interlocutors touched upon the results of the 31st session of the Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) held in October of the last year, in Armenia. Madam Girardin commended Armenia’s role within the OIF. A range of issues on multilateral cooperation within the La Francophonie was discussed.

In the context of deepening trade and economic ties, the sides attached importance to the productive activity of the French companies in Armenia, promotion of the French investments and improvement of relevant favourable environment.

In this regard Minister Nalbandian highlighted the projects implemented by the French Development Agency (Agence Francaise de Développement), which greatly contribute to the social-economic progress in Armenia.

Minister Nalbandian and Minister of State Girardin touched upon the tightening of cooperation within international organizations and attached great importance to the development of cooperation within the parliamentary assemblies of those organizations.