On May 28, Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan had a meeting with Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, who arrived in Armenia on an official visit.

Welcoming the guest Minister Mnatsakanyan considered it remarkable that the visit of his French counterpart to Armenia is happening when Armenians all over the world celebrate the centennial of establishment of the First Republic of Armenia. As noted by the Minister, it was also symbolic that before their meeting Ministers visited the Musa Ler (Musa Dagh) Memorial, which is one of the unique symbols of Armenian-French friendship. "Our relations are based on values ​​that are founded on human dignity and freedom," said Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan. Armenian Foreign Minister also highlighted that his French counterpart started his visit by paying tribute to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide at Tsitsernakaberd.

Congratulating Armenia and the Armenian people on the occasion of the Republic Day, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian reaffirmed the readiness of the French side to continue the steps aimed at deepening and expanding the cooperation founded on centuries-long friendship and common value system.

Referring to recent developments in Armenia, Jean-Yves Le Drian noted that Armenia is at a turning point of its history and welcomed the spirit of responsibility and dialogue among political forces and people. Foreign Minister of France emphasized that he is proud to be the first high-level official visiting Armenia after the latter developments, reaffirming France's willingness to stand by Armenia and support it.

The interlocutors agreed that the privileged relations between Armenia and France are anchored on the manifestations of traditional friendship and mutual support of two peoples, and the extensive bilateral agenda, the constant political dialogue, regular state visits at the level of heads of states, deep cooperation ties in different spheres, and the active French-Armenian community attest to that.

The sides exchanged views on the joint efforts aimed at boosting the trade-economic, scientific-educational and cultural ties, as well as decentralized cooperation.

The interlocutors also focused on the preparations for the Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie. In this context Minister Mnatsakanyan reiterated the commitment of Armenia to properly organize and hold this important event.

Ministers exchanged views on the Armenia-EU cooperation, the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and the emerging new perspectives for Armenian-French cooperation in this format.

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and France commended the French University In Armenia, noting that it is one of the most successful examples of bilateral close collaboration in the field of education, the university which is in highest demand in Armenian education system.

They exchanged views on developments with regards Iran's nuclear programme and efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis.

Ministers Mnatsakanyan and Le Drian discussed in a detailed manner the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan highlighted the importance of joint efforts exerted by France together with other OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries - Russia and the United States, aimed at the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The sides agreed that for the success of the process it is crucial to have an environment conducive to peace.

At the end of the meeting an Agreement on Establishment and Operation of the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Investment and Promotion Company for Economic Cooperation (Proparco) in Armenia has been signed.

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and France made statements for the press on the outcome of the meeting.