YEREVAN. – Within the framework of his official visit to France, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Tuesday headed to Lyon, where he met with Mayor, Senator Gérard Collomb. 

The interlocutors spoke about the cooperation between Armenia’s capital city Yerevan and Lyon, and underscored the mutual visits by the representatives of both municipalities, the President’s Press Office informs.

President Sargsyan extended his thanks to Gérard Collomb for his interest in Armenia and matters concerning the Armenians, and his support, specifically his contribution to recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the formation of ties between Yerevan and Lyon.   

At the end of the meeting, the Lyon Mayor gave a formal dinner in the President’s honor.

While in Lyon, Serzh Sargsyan also got together with French businessmen and delivered an address during the event. He noted that independent Armenia’s economic capacity and the volume of goods turnover between the two countries can increase considerably. 

“The Armenian-French Business Club is functioning in Armenia since the year past, and French President Mr. [François] Hollande suggested that it become a chamber of commerce and industry. We are pleased to support this. At the same time I highly appreciate the French Development Agency programs that will start soon and aim to assist in Armenia’s progress,” Serzh Sargsyan said.   

Later, Lyon Mayor, Senator Gérard Collomb held a reception in honor of Armenia’s President. During the event, in which representatives from the French-Armenian community likewise participated, Collomb presented the Lyon Medal of Honor to Serzh Sargsyan. 

“Every time I visit France, I feel like I’m home again, and a wish comes up to thank you, dear French, distinguished people of Lyon, for being at our side during our most difficult times. One-hundredth anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is drawing near, and we need to make our nationwide struggle become more organized so that the crime committed against humanity will never be repeated. I am convinced that Turkey will be compelled to reckon with reality sooner or later. This is the minimum requirement for having a connection with Europe, as French President Mr. Hollande stated,” President Sargsyan said during the reception.       

Wrapping up its three-day official visit to France, the Armenian delegation led by the President will return to Yerevan on Wednesday.