Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by Fabrice Pannekoucke, President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region of France, which also included Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, Chairman of the France-Armenia Friendship Group of the French Senate, as well as a number of representatives of French regional and local governments.

During the meeting, issues on the agenda of multi-sectoral cooperation between Armenia and France were discussed, in particular, focusing on the need to deepen decentralized partnership.

Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted the role and significance of the fifth two-day conference on decentralized cooperation between Armenia and France, describing it as a viable platform for exchanging experience at the community level and implementing joint programs.

Referring to the newly opened Honorary Consulate of France in Goris, the French delegation also emphasized that it is aimed not only at strengthening the diplomatic presence, but also at expanding educational, cultural and humanitarian programs in the Syunik region.

Senator Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, speaking on behalf of the France-Armenia Friendship Group of the French Senate, reaffirmed the readiness to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, emphasizing that the legislative bodies of France will continue to support the democratic development processes in Armenia.

The parties also touched upon the opportunities for deepening cooperation in the fields of education, culture, the environment, local self-government and economic development.

Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted the steady support and solidarity shown towards Armenia by the French government, the leadership of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, and the friendship group, emphasizing that Armenia-France relations are based on shared values, historical friendship, and mutual trust.