STEPANAKERT. – President of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), Bako Sahakyan, on Tuesday visited the French commune of Villeurbanne, where he attended the solemn event marking the beginning of Artsakh Days in France.
In his address, President Sahakyan pointed out that France is a friendly country to Artsakh and the people of France are fraternal people to the people of Artsakh, and added that such a centuries-long perception was evidence-based, Central Information Department of the Office of the NKR President informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.
“France has become a second homeland for hundreds of thousands of Armenians, ensuring favorable conditions for their self-fulfillment and prosperous life,” the Artsakh Republic President stressed in his speech. “And it’s no coincidence that Armenians of France have given a whole constellation of renowned people representing diverse domains, [and] who have enriched not only the Armenian, but also the French and the mankind’s culture, education, sport, and other domains.”
Also, the President considered symbolic the official beginning of Artsakh Days in Villeurbanne, the commune which has a large Armenian community and solid ties with Artsakh.
In addition, Bako Sahakyan extended gratitude to the author of the photographs presented at the exhibition devoted to Artsakh and its organizers for the unique portrayal of the NKR. He noted that such distinguished work enables people unfamiliar with Artsakh to get familiarized with the country, its nature and history, get closer to the Artsakh culture and people, their inner world, and thereby inflame the desire and interest to visit the republic.
Also at the event, President Sahakyan handed in the Medal of Gratitude to Mayor Jean-Paul Bret of Villeurbanne, and extended words of gratitude to him and the entire staff of the municipality administration for their activities, assessing them from political, ethical, legal, cultural, humanitarian, and several other perspectives.
Furthermore, the NKR President expressed his confidence in the further strengthening, expanding, and deepening of bilateral relations in due course.
