Yerevan, Armenia (April 10, 2024) – High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan received the French delegation led by Martine Vassal, President of the Departmental Council of Bouches-du-Rhône, during their visit to Armenia.
The delegation included French MP Didier Parakian, Mayor of Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts Vincent Goyet, Mayor of Le Tholonet Vincent Languille, Co-Chairman of the Southern Region of the Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF) Julien Tigran Harounian, Co-Chairman of the Southern Region of the CCAF and Head of AGBU Marseille Branch, Member of the Southern Regional Council of France Aurore Bruna, Chairman of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church of France Gilbert Derderian, President of the “Action Santé Arménie France” organization Avedis Matikian, President of the Association “Armenian Youth of France” (JAF) Levon Khozian, President of the French-Armenian charity NGO “Bardzunk-5165” Lusine Melikyan, and JAF Board member, the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry member Simon Azilazian, who also serves as chairman of ANACRA Marseille. Ambassador of France to Armenia Olivier Decottignies and RA General Consul in Marseille Ara Mkrtchyan were also in attendance at the meeting.
In his welcoming address, the High Commissioner emphasized the significant progress in Armenian-French bilateral relations during this important period, highlighting the active collaboration between the Bouches-du-Rhône Department and various Armenian provinces.
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Zareh Sinanyan also reflected on his visit to France earlier this year, acknowledging the steadfast dedication of the Armenian community in France to both Armenia and France.
“The Armenian community of France has a great role in strengthening the ties between the two countries. Your role in that mission is also invaluable, Mrs. Vasal. I am confident that the visit of the delegation led by you will be the beginning of new projects and cooperation between the regions of Armenia and France,” said Zareh Sinanyan.
In her speech, President of the Departmental Council of Bouches-du-Rhône Martin Vassal referred to the goals of the delegation’s visit and the high-level meetings held in Yerevan, expressing optimism that the visit would foster deeper Armenian-French decentralized cooperation. She further highlighted the significance of the active collaboration established with the Office of the RA High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs and the potential for its further expansion.
“We are here with a comprehensive delegation, aiming to raise relations with Armenia to a new level. The Department of Bouches-du-Rhône, on behalf of us, the private sector and Armenian community entities, is very interested in the development of economic, investment, humanitarian, and public relations with Armenia,” said Martine Vassal.
The meeting attendees introduced initiatives concerning Armenia, engaged in discussions about available opportunities, and investigated innovative cooperation frameworks. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around addressing the humanitarian challenges faced by forcibly displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh. Additionally, initiatives related to healthcare, socio-economic development, and humanitarian efforts were highlighted.
OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER
FOR DIASPORA AFFAIRS, REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA