Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron visited Gyumri. The visit started with a tribute to the victims of the 1988 earthquake.

Next, Nikol Pashinyan, Vahagn Khachaturyan and Emmanuel Macron attended the concert entitled “Musical Bridge: Armenia-France” in Vardanants Square in Gyumri.

Nikol Pashinyan and Emmanuel Macron addressed the audience gathered in Vardanants Square with a welcoming speech, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome. “When we were talking with President Macron in France, I told him, ‘You are very popular in Armenia,’ and he said, ‘Maybe you are exaggerating'. Now, every time such a scene occurs, I constantly remind him that, look, I wasn't exaggerating," said Nikol Pashinyan and passed the floor to Emmanuel Macron, the President of the French Republic, a great friend of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people.

“Before I leave, dear Nikol, Mr. Prime Minister, I wanted to say a few words and thank you. First of all, I would like to thank the orchestra and all the musicians who performed and will continue the concert. I would also like to thank you for the warm welcome you gave me and my entire delegation in Yerevan and here in Gyumri,” said Emmanuel Macron.

The French President noted that no one has forgotten December 1988, when the clocks stopped, the whole city froze and the world stood up for you, Armenia, and Gyumri was reborn from hell and after winter, new springs came. “And before leaving, I wanted to tell you that I was extremely proud to be here with you. We know all the difficulties that you have gone through in recent years. And as long as Gyumri is here, Armenia is moving forward in peace, stability, alongside Europe. And just as we were by your side in December 1988, we will be by your side now. Thank you Gyumri, thank you Armenia. And never forget: France loves you. Long live Armenia, long live France, and long live Gyumri,” said Emmanuel Macron.