YEREVAN. – On the occasion of the French National Day, President Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday visited the Embassy of France in Yerevan.

The President of Armenia congratulated Ambassador Jean-François Charpentier, the Embassy staff, and in their person, the people of France.

Sargsyan underscored that he was glad to say once again on the occasion of the National Day that Armenia is proud to have special relations with the friendly France.

In the development and strengthening of state relations, President Sargsyan stressed the importance and highly valued activities of the Embassy of France in Armenia, and wished its diplomatic staff new achievements for the benefit of the two peoples and countries.

Ambassador Charpentier, for his part, expressed gratitude to President Serzh Sargsyan for the visit to the Embassy, warm congratulations, good wishes and the high assessment of the activities of the Embassy. He noted that it is a great honor and responsibility for him personally and for the Embassy staff through their daily work to further deepen the long-standing friendship between Armenia and France, and which, according to the Ambassador, needs constant care.

On the occasion of the French National Day, President Serzh Sargsyan also sent a congratulatory message to President François Hollande of France.

“I cordially congratulate and send my best to you and the friendly people of the French Republic on the occasion of National Day.

“The high-level political dialogue and the climate of mutual trust between our two friendship nations constitute a solid base for the future comprehensive development and deepening of Armenian-French relations. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will continue to strengthen the ties binding Armenia and France together, in the bilateral as well as multilateral formats, for the benefit of our peoples.

“You personal persistent stance on the issue of the criminalization of the denial of Armenian Genocide is highly appreciated in Armenia; this once again underscores France’s and personally your devotion to universal human values, particularly to the international fight aimed at the prevention of crimes against humanity.

“We attach the utmost importance to the involvement and efforts of France, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group together with Russia and the United States, in the process of a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, for the benefit of peace and stability in our region.

“I once again congratulate you on the occasion of the National Day, wish you success and all the best, and I wish greater advancement and prosperity to the friendly people of France,” reads the congratulatory message of the President of Armenia.