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.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Armenia is experiencing a pivotal moment in its modern history, describing the phase as “Armenia’s moment.”

In his speech at the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 forum, Macron, who is on a state visit to Armenia, emphasized the country’s peace agenda, economic progress, and growing regional significance.

Macron stressed that recent days show this is truly Armenia’s moment.

He reiterated his earlier remarks that four or eight years ago no one could have imagined it would be possible to bring together around 40 heads of state in Yerevan within the framework of the European Political Community, or to hold a summit between the European Union and Armenia.

In his view, it is clear that changes have taken place, especially considering that Armenia went through a severe war in the autumn of 2020 with serious consequences.

In Macron’s assessment, this moment opens a new path for Armenia, which in itself is already a success. He emphasized that it is first and foremost about the path of peace, noting that Armenia had the courage to choose peace and to find the necessary formats for normalizing relations with Azerbaijan. He added that the Prague and Washington summits in 2022 contributed to this process.

The French President also referred to economic developments, noting that over the past eight years Armenia has recorded average economic growth of around 6 percent, with even more impressive growth in the last two years. In his words, this reflects the effectiveness of a model that combines peace and prosperity.

“Armenia has become an important platform for European discussions. The 8th summit of the European Political Community is being held in Yerevan, as well as high-level EU–Armenia meetings, where infrastructure, security, and development programs are being discussed,” Macron said.

He added that developments in Armenia were unexpected for many, but they became possible thanks to the great courage shown in recent years, which is opening new opportunities for the country.

Macron also stressed that he wants the “Armenian moment” to become a “Caucasian moment,” encompassing the entire region. He said he has two fundamental convictions regarding the South Caucasus:

“The region should not become a field of imperial competition; it can become a crossroads thanks to its geographical location,” the French President said.

He also highlighted the importance of opening borders, noting that doing so would allow the region to fully benefit from economic and political opportunities. In this context, he welcomed Azerbaijan’s removal of trade restrictions with Armenia and the gradual opening of logistical routes.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has praised France and President Emmanuel Macron personally for their continued support to Armenia across the economy, security, defence, diplomacy, culture and education, as well as in Armenia–European Union relations.

Pashinyan made the remarks during joint statements with Macron, who is on a state visit to Armenia, following a series of agreement-signing ceremonies.

As an example of ongoing support, the Armenian prime minister highlighted a French agreement to construct the Bargushat tunnel as part of the North–South highway project. He said this would not only mark a new phase in the road’s construction but also set a new qualitative standard for road building in Armenia.

“We constantly speak about the need to adopt European standards across various sectors. On paper, there is no great difficulty in enshrining those standards, but we also need companies with the capacity, skills and knowledge to implement them. In this case, the involvement of French construction companies in the North–South road project, which I am confident will also engage local contractors, will create a serious opportunity not only to adopt new standards but also to expand and spread them within Armenia’s economic life,” Pashinyan said.

He added that the agreement on the Bargushat tunnel concerns one of the most complex sections of the North–South highway, requiring specialised expertise and capabilities.

“As in many such cases, France and President Macron stood by Armenia, and today we can say that this vast, megaproject of the North–South highway is already taking shape. We can now see the steps by which the road will be fully completed and put into operation,” the prime minister said.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on the parties to the conflict in the Middle East to halt hostilities and sit down at the negotiating table, while respecting the interests of the countries in the region.

“I will speak with the President of Iran. However, France has had the same position from the outset. We call for an end to all military operations and for diplomatic negotiations to begin, while respecting the interests of all countries in the region. Yes, the Strait of Hormuz must be open to all ships, without any fees or restrictive measures. Any escalation against any country or vessel is a mistake; it leads to an even greater increase in tensions,” said the President of France at a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, when asked by a French reporter on the matter.

Addressing a question about US President Donald Trump’s statements on increasing tariffs on the EU, Macron said:

“We want fair and free trade based on rules and agreements. Signed agreements must be respected. If they are called into question, or if any country issues threats, then the EU must respond. Yes, everything is on the table, and I believe that in this geopolitical period, allies such as the United States and the EU have other things to do than try to destabilize the situation. Our companies, our families, and our societies need a message of stability and trust. Everything is on the table, but let us hope that reason will return so that everything can remain in harmony.”

The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 5 May, USD exchange rate down by 0.34 drams to 370.44 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.51 drams to 432.9 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.0372 drams to 4.9006 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.24 drams to 501.65 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 1318 drams to 55225 drams.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said a newly signed strategic partnership document with France will enable more effective use of the current level of bilateral relations.

Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pashinyan noted that Armenia and France already maintain a broad and established agenda, and the document both reflects this reality and creates additional opportunities to deepen cooperation.

Responding to a journalist’s question, Pashinyan stressed that agreements signed at the highest level send a strong signal to various sectors in both countries that favourable political conditions have been created.

“The most important point is that documents signed at the highest level ultimately send a message to various sectors in both countries that favourable political conditions have been created and that all the prerequisites exist for establishing partnerships and reaching agreements. The role of governments is to create opportunities and a favourable environment so that companies in both the private and public sectors begin to act. We signed the document and, practically two minutes later, many new opportunities opened up and were realised, and this process will be continuous,” Pashinyan said.

Armenia and France have signed a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership.

The declaration was signed by Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Macron during Macron’s state visit to Armenia.

The official welcoming ceremony for Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in Armenia on a state visit, took place in Yerevan. The national anthems of Armenia and France were played, after which the leaders introduced members of their delegations.

According to a readout by the Prime Minister’s Office, an expanded meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Macron was held afterward.

Welcoming the French president and his delegation, Pashinyan said the state visit had been warmly received by the public, noting that over the past two days Macron had brought “great happiness” to many citizens of Armenia and visiting guests.

“They had the opportunity to communicate with you, take photos, express their love for you and, of course, feel your love for them. I think this is truly a new page, not only in terms of Armenia–France relations, but also in the protocol logic of state visits,” Pashinyan said, adding that the events in Yerevan would long remain in people’s memory.

According to the prime minister, the emotional atmosphere surrounding the visit reflects the level of relations between the two countries.

“You have proven that the highest level is expressed not only at the level of state institutions, but also at the level of our peoples,” he said, adding that Armenian citizens feel France’s support, friendship, and goodwill.

Pashinyan expressed gratitude to Macron, describing the visit as long-awaited and significant, and said it opens “a new page in diplomatic experience.”

Macron, in turn, thanked Armenia for the warm welcome, noting the importance of the visit.

“We are deeply impressed by the warm popular reception that France has received, as well as by the success that this visit represents for Armenia,” he said, referring also to the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan 2026 and the first Armenia–European Union summit.

Macron reiterated France’s support for Armenia’s ongoing efforts and stressed the importance of maintaining steady progress.

He noted that several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit within the framework of a developing strategic partnership, particularly in defense and security, as well as in economic cooperation and investment.

The French president also highlighted plans to expand cooperation in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to public policy implementation.

According to Macron, the visit reflects both the depth of bilateral relations and the strong ties between the two nations.

“Armenia is loved in France,” he said, pointing to shared human connections visible in cities such as Yerevan, Lyon, and Marseille, adding that the two countries have “interconnected destinies.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has defended his support for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, stressing the need to distinguish between foreign interference and openly expressed political positions.

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Pashinyan, Macron responded to a question from a French journalist who recalled his earlier remarks on alleged Russian interference in Armenia’s elections and asked whether his support for Pashinyan could also be considered interference.

Macron said it is necessary to distinguish “foreign interventions that try to manipulate democratic life” from “political positions that are openly taken.”

“I undertake this support. I support this colleague of mine, whom I have trusted for eight years, as I did when supporting Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who was facing a non-European alternative. I fully undertake this decision to defend Europe,” he stated.

He emphasized that such support differs fundamentally from covert actions aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions.

“This is not the same as influences involving manipulation of information through the media or attempts to undermine the rule of law through the dissemination of false information,” Macron said, adding that such actions are carried out “through foreign agents on the orders of Moscow” with the aim of falsifying democracy.

“I voice my arguments, I participate in democracy as the President of France. I do not falsify. That is the difference, and it is important to remember that,” he added.

Responding to the same question regarding Armenia’s rapprochement with the European Union, Pashinyan reiterated his previously stated position.

“I answered this question in my speech in the European Parliament in 2023. Armenia is ready to be as close to the EU as the EU deems possible,” he said.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan has left Armenia early after the country’s parliament passed a vote of no confidence in the government of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

The Guardian reported the development.

According to reports, Dan is due to make a statement on the situation at 18:00 local time (19:00 Yerevan time).

President Dan said the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians would have no role in forming the next government and assured that Romania would maintain its pro-Western course.

Earlier on 5 May, Romania’s parliament had passed the no-confidence vote in Bolojan’s government. A total of 281 lawmakers voted in favour, with four against.

Nicușor Dan had been in Armenia to attend the European Political Community summit.

EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Magdalena Grono touched upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and the role of external players during a panel discussion held within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue international forum.

Grono noted that the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process has been a “wonderful and powerful” one, adding that it has received important support from external partners.

“I think that the two capitals themselves were the owners of this project and gave it crucial importance,” she said.

Grono underscored the role of the leadership shown by both sides, noting that they want to be partners in the sense that the agenda is set by the regional actors themselves, while external partners support where their approach is useful.

She added that all possibilities for cooperation had been discussed, expressing hope for new opportunities for regional cooperation when the time is right. She also stressed the importance of addressing humanitarian issues.

Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a peace agreement on August 8, 2025, during a summit in Washington, D.C., mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.