On April 9, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan received the delegation led by the President of the Bouches-du-Rhône Department of France and Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis Martin Vassal.

Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that the relations between Armenia and France, which are considered to be privileged in their content, are developing today with a broad agenda and new directions aimed at strengthening the Armenian confrontation. In the context of the latter, the importance of further activation of interaction, especially in the economic sphere and through the expansion of business ties, was emphasized on both sides.

The interlocutors also referred to the possibilities of decentralized cooperation, for which good foundations have been formed, among which is the participation of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in health programs in the regions of Armenia.

Issues related to the RA-EU partnership agenda were discussed at the meeting. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that Armenia, being a European civilization and having an agenda of democratic reforms, significantly deepens relations with the European Union and its member states.

Reference was made to the security situation in the South Caucasus and the existing challenges. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of mentioning the Alma-Ata Declaration and reaffirming the mutual recognition of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the text of the statement adopted as a result of the quadrilateral meeting held in Prague in October 2022 with the participation of the French President. The head of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia presented the recent discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the remaining main issues.

Addressing the rights and needs of forcibly displaced Armenians from Nagorno Karabakh, the support provided to RA for this purpose, as well as humanitarian issues were also addressed.