- RFE/RL’s Armenian Service
French President Emmanuel Macron and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian discussed bilateral cooperation, joint projects, and the development of Armenia’s ties with the European Union during a meeting in Paris on November 10, a statement issued by the Armenian prime minister’s office said.
The meeting took place at the Elysee Palace, where Macron described it as a good opportunity to discuss the agenda of French-Armenian strategic relations, it added.
The two leaders reportedly discussed progress on joint projects in infrastructure and other areas, as well as ways to further develop EU-Armenia cooperation. The latter included the ongoing process of liberalizing the EU’s visa regime for Armenian citizens and reforms being implemented with EU support.
They also exchanged views on regional developments and ongoing processes, the statement said.
Pashinian emphasized the high level of relations between Armenia and France, stressing the importance of developing and expanding ties in all areas, it added.
Pashinian is in France to attend the 9th Paris Peace Forum, which is being held on November 10-11. Entitled “From Sovereignty to Cooperation,” the forum addresses international conflicts, security challenges, economic cooperation, new technologies, and climate issues.
The French and Armenian leaders last met in France in September when they discussed the diversification of Armenia’s economy. At the time, they described economic cooperation as one of the priorities of their strategic partnership and highlighted Armenia’s efforts to diversify its economy and export markets.
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