Hasmik Tolmajyan – Armenia’s Ambassador to France, gave an interview to ARMENPRESS, talking about the current situation of the Armenian-French friendly ties, the possible visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Armenia and a number of other topics.
-Mrs. Ambassador, how would you describe the current Armenian-French relations?
-The Armenian-French relations are described as unique. It is reflected by the close political dialogue between the two countries and dynamically developing mutual partnership in all areas of bilateral cooperation. The historically friendly ties between the Armenian and French peoples, of course, created a good base for establishing close inter-state relations between the two countries since Armenia’s independence. I also would like to highlight the unique role of the Armenian community of France in terms of strengthening the Armenian-French friendship.
-What are the main directions of promoting the bilateral ties and cooperation?
-The current close political dialogue between the highest leaderships of the two countries has a special place in the Armenian-French unique relations. It is being strengthened with regular inter-state mutual visits: over the past one year Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and French President Emmanuel Macron met five times. Both leaders have used the first possible occasion to meet following the velvet revolution in Armenia.
Armenia highly values France’s attention to the issues which are of vital importance for the Armenian people. France, as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair country, has an important engagement in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict’s peaceful settlement process and the strengthening of lasting peace and security in our region. France is also a key partner for Armenia in the relations with the EU. Both countries have an excellent cooperation within the frames of international organizations, such as the UN, CoE and OSCE. I would like to specifically highlight the cooperation within the International Organization of La Francophonie which further intensified during the La Francophonie summit held in Yerevan in October 2018.
-How would you comment on the cancellation of memorandums of cooperation signed with the towns of Artsakh by the French courts?
-Of course, all issues relating to the pan-Armenian interests, the friendship of the Armenian and French peoples, are under our spotlight.
I would refrain to make a comment on the French internal legal processes. At the same time I attach importance to the formation of friendly platforms between the two peoples at various levels, including at the local self-government level, and in this process the Nagorno Karabakh conflict should not be an obstacle and should not be speculated.
-15 ...
