YEREVAN. - Armenia is ready to enhance special ties with friendly France in all areas. Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian said the aforementioned at the meeting with the Minister of State for Development and Francophonie of France, Annick Girardin.

Welcoming the guest, Mr Nalbandian stressed Armenia’s commitment to enhance ties with Armenian in all the areas. In this regard, Nalbandian attached importance to the periodic high-level reciprocal visits, Armenia’s MFA press-service reports. 

Thanking for the reception, Annick Girardin stressed that France attaches importance to the enhancement and expansion of cooperation with friendly Armenia, which is also one of the most active members of the Francophone family.   

During the meeting, reference was made to the issues of deepening bilateral cooperation in different spheres, as well as developing inter-parliamentary ties, decentralized cooperation and cooperation in the sphere of education.

The interlocutors also referred to the results of the 31st Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie held in Armenia last October. Ms Girardin highly appreciated Armenia’s role in the conference. A number of issues related to the multi-lateral cooperation in the framework of Francophonie were discussed.

In the context of deepening the trade and economic ties, importance was attached to the operation of French companies in Armenia, promotion of French investments and improvement of relevant favorable conditions.

With this respect, FM Nalbandian appreciated the programs implemented by the Armenia-based French Development Agency (AFD), which greatly contribute to Armenia’s social and economic progress.  

Reference was also made to enhancing the cooperation in international organizations, importance being attached to the development of cooperation in the parliamentary assembly.