Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation of Bouches-du-Rhône Department of France, headed by Department Council President Mrs. Martine Vassal. Deputy Mayor of Marseille Didier Parakian and National Assembly Member Bernard Deflesselles were in attendance. Strong with 119 cities, Bouches-du-Rhône is one of the largest departments in France.

Greeting the guests, the Prime Minister noted that Armenia highly values the ongoing cooperation with Bouches-du-Rhône, which boasts a vibrant Armenian community, with many Armenians serving on the Department Council.

“France is believed to be one of Armenia’s greatest friends in our country. We are bound by strong historical ties, and we are interested in the development of cooperation with friendly France,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

Thankful for the reception, the Bouches-du-Rhône Department Council President said she was happy to visit Armenia for the fourth time now. Pleased with the ongoing cooperation with Armenia, Martine Vassal dwelt on joint programs, including the successful operations of the cardiology hospital in Goris.

“We have close ties with Armenia and are ready to deepen them. The French-Armenian community enjoys great respect and is actively involved in the development of different spheres,” she said.

Martine Vassal advised that her delegation featured MPs, local self-government representatives, members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She stressed that they had had fruitful meetings in Armenia.

The interlocutors next looked at ways of deepening economic ties. The Prime Minister introduced his government’s reforms aimed at curbing monopolies, providing equal and fair competition conditions. In this context, he pointed out that some positive trends of growth have already been recorded owing to the favorable investment climate shaped in the country. Nikol Pashinyan noted that several French companies are effectively operating in our country, and the Armenian government is keen to facilitate and expand French capital’s involvement, which will help promote economic ties and introduce a new business culture.

Martine Vassal assured that she would convey the Prime Minister’s message to the business circles of Bouches-du-Rhône Department.

The interlocutors touched upon the important role played by France in recognizing that fact of the Armenian Genocide and fighting against the attempts of genocide negation.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that President Macron’s decision to declare April 24 as the national day of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide is highly appreciated in Armenia and in the Diaspora, and the Armenian nation is grateful to France for hosting and sheltering hundreds of thousands of genocide survivors, as well as for creating appropriate conditions for the preservation and development of the Armenian identity and culture.