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“I attach importance to the traditional warm friendship of the two peoples and highly appreciate the current level of the Armenian-French multilateral relations,” the Head of the RA NA Armenia-France Friendship Group Vladimir Vardanyan underlined during the meeting with the delegation arrived in Armenia led by the Chair of the France-Armenia Friendship Group in the French Senate Gilbert-Luc Devinaz.

The members of the Friendship Group Eduard Aghajanyan, Babken Tunyan, Hripsime Grigoryan, Arusyak Julhakyan, Artur Davtyan, Lilit Minasyan and Armen Khachatryan participated in the meeting.

The Head of the Friendship Group referred to the development of inter-parliamentary relations, noting that although the opportunities for parliamentary diplomacy are limited, but they are often more flexible than official diplomacy, they can advance the interests and issues presenting mutual interests.

On behalf of the friendship group, Vladimir Vardanyan expressed gratitude to the French Senate for the support during the 44-day war and the adoption of a resolution demanding the recognition of Artsakh. Speaking about the priorities of the foreign policy agenda of our country, the Head of the Friendship Group stressed the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair country – France, in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He raised the issue of the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and other persons being held in Azerbaijan, expecting the support of the French partners in this issue.

In terms of deepening cooperation in international organizations, the harmonization of bilateral positions was highlighted. Vladimir Vardanyan noted that the level of economic cooperation concedes to the political and especially highlighted the activation of ties between the communities of Armenia and France and the marzes. The Head of the Friendship Group emphasized the cultural commonalities and the joint programs of the two peoples.

Gilbert-Luc Devinaz also considered necessary the intensification of the Armenian-French cooperation, stressing the inter-parliamentary ties and especially the role of the friendship groups in this issue. The role of the French-Armenian community in strengthening the bilateral friendship was considered special. The Chair of the Friendship Group emphasized the importance of the agreement of cooperation between the French Senate and the National Assembly of Armenia re-signed during the visit of the RA NA President Alen Simonyan to France.

The members of the Friendship Group presented details on the agenda for the promotion of peace in the region, referred to the effective cooperation on the international parliamentary platforms. The settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the establishment of peace and stability in the region were highlighted. In the context of activation of economic ties, it was stated that there are many companies with the French capital in our country, and steps should be taken to strengthen relations in that field.