2024-07-04 16:32:55
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecorneau, who arrived on an official visit to the Republic of Armenia.
Welcoming the delegation led by the Minister of Defense of France, the Prime Minister noted. “Dear Minister, I welcome you and your delegation to the Republic of Armenia. This is the first visit of you and, in general, the Minister of Defense of France to the Republic of Armenia, and it is already historic by this fact.
I want to thank you for your support in forming our bilateral agenda and implementing that agenda. I must emphasize that, of course, the changes taking place in our security situation and cooperation are logical and justified. Of course, by thanking you, I should also consider it logical that France is one of the first countries to respond to our decision to diversify our relations in the field of security, because as we had the opportunity to discuss in Paris two days ago, our relations are very deep and multi-layered and it is logical that defense and in the field of security, too, these relations must be expressed. I also want to emphasize that the security component has always been present in our discussions with President Macron, and now I am glad that these discussions are getting a concrete expression, including with your support.”
In his turn, Sebastian Lecornu noted. “Thank you for these words and reception. You thrilled the French with your presence at the Pantheon. It can be said that this was a very unique week for our two republics. As I told the media representatives with whom I just met, there was indeed a certain divide: on the one hand, the warm friendly relations that we had, and the defense sector, which was not yet fully realized.
I think that your personal relationship with the French president also plays a big role in this progress. I think it’s based on trust, and let me say, our mutual trust as well. I think that you, the Minister of Defense, and our teams have mapped out a very specific path for us. And taking into account the threats that hang over Armenia’s head, we are forced to move forward faster. That is, it is very important for us to react quickly and organize the steps.
A lot was already underway, but thanks to the bilateral relations and the meeting you had with President Macron, it allowed us to move forward this morning in the same directions that you indicated together in Paris.”
The interlocutors discussed the works carried out in the direction of defense cooperation and upcoming plans.
The parties emphasized Armenia-France cooperation within the framework of the reforms of the RA armed forces, including military education, combat training and other directions.
Thoughts were also exchanged on issues related to regional security and stability.