French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s strong support for Armenia’s European integration and praised the country’s progress toward democracy, peace, and economic development during a press conference in Yerevan following his meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

He said that Armenia is moving confidently toward Europe, emphasizing that it is a full member of the European family.

“Armenia has decisively chosen the path of peace and prosperity, and has strengthened its democracy despite challenges,” he said.

“Armenia is decisively moving toward Europe and has always been a full member of the European family. This progress in the field of European policy, I can say, has been evident to me over these past two days,” Macron, who is on a state visit to Armenia, said.

The President of France noted that relations between France and Armenia are based on historical ties and brotherhood and are now entering a new phase.

“The friendship between France and Armenia has been formed on the basis of a shared history and unwavering brotherhood, and these relations are now experiencing a new turning point,” he said.

The French President emphasized that since his last visit in 2018, Armenia has made significant progress, overcoming the consequences of war and moving toward a phase of peace and development.

“Armenia has gone through war, then established peace, and then prosperity,” Macron said, recalling that in recent years Armenia’s economy has recorded an average annual growth of around 6 percent.

Macron stressed that recent international events held in Yerevan demonstrate Armenia’s European orientation.

“All of this was unthinkable eight years ago—to organize a European Political Community summit in Yerevan, to organize an Armenia–European Union summit,” he said.

The French President also highlighted the deepening cooperation between Armenia and the European Union, emphasizing the need to expand investments, infrastructure, and economic ties.

According to Macron, within the framework of European programs, investments are expected to increase, cooperation in the defense sector will deepen, and the visa liberalization process will advance.

Macron noted that in recent years Armenian–French relations have developed significantly across many sectors.

He recalled France’s support for Armenia in different periods, including after the 1988 earthquake and after the events of 2020, when France provided humanitarian assistance.

The French President also emphasized the expansion of economic cooperation, highlighting infrastructure projects.

He referred to projects implemented with the participation of French companies, including the construction of the Bargushat tunnel, as well as initiatives in the water sector involving Veolia in the development of reservoirs and irrigation systems.

He said France also plays an active role in Armenia through the French Development Agency, supporting inclusive and sustainable development programs.

Macron noted that a new phase has also opened in bilateral relations in the defense sector, emphasizing the importance of the strategic partnership agreement.

“We wanted to support the modernization of Armenia’s armed forces and the strengthening of its sovereignty,” he said.

The French President also highlighted cooperation in education, science, and culture.

He singled out the role of the French University in Armenia as a high-level educational institution, as well as cultural cooperation agreements signed between the National Library of France, the Museum of Art and Literature of Yerevan, and Matenadaran.

Macron also emphasized the involvement of local self-government bodies and civil society organizations in the development of bilateral relations, noting that Armenia holds an important place in French community cooperation programs.

The French President reaffirmed support for Armenia’s peace agenda and regional stability.

“We want and are determined to accompany you on the path to sustainable peace,” he said.

At the end of his speech, Macron thanked the Armenian Prime Minister and reaffirmed France’s support for Armenia’s chosen strategic path.

“The agreements signed today open a new path for the coming years,” the French President emphasized.