President Sargsyan Meets with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo

• 01.23.2018, 10:38
•  Europe,  World,  Armenia

At the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic, RA President Serzh Sargsyan arrived in France today on a working visit. The presidential visit started with a meeting held with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, President's press service reports.

To begin with, the parties stated with satisfaction that the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations were marked by upward trends in the Armenian-French privileged relationships, characterized by close bonds of friendship and partnership and evidenced by active contacts maintained at all levels.

Having kept fond recollections of their previous meetings held in both Paris and Yerevan, the President of Armenia and the Paris Mayor highlighted the development and strengthening of cooperation between the partnering capitals which, according to President Sargsyan, were by far fostered and catalyzed by Mayor Anne Hidalgo.

The President expressed the hope that the wealth of mutual trust, as well as Mrs. Hidalgo’s impressions of her Armenia visits would lead to new substantial projects implemented between Yerevan and Paris. President Sargsyan congratulated her on Paris being recognized as the most innovative, most creative city in Europe within the framework of Horizon 2020. Serzh Sargsyan said he was well aware that the Yerevan and Paris Mayors were in close touch almost every day, and that Paris is ready to share its best experience with Yerevan, and there are already some demonstrations of this readiness.

In turn, the Paris Mayor praised the Armenian community of Paris, stating that numerous community representatives boast great achievements in different spheres and have made significant contribution to their city’s overall development, including public and political life. The Mayor highly appreciated the activities of the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies and informed the Armenian President that they were going to set up a similar center in Paris this year which might become another bridge of friendship.

Taking the opportunity, President Sargsyan invited the Paris Mayor to attend the celebrations dedicated to Yerevan’s 2800th anniversary this year. Anne Hidalgo thanked the President and accepted the invitation.

President Serzh Sargsyan stated that the people of Armenia has a strong sense of gratitude and keeps in the records of history the names of those individuals sensitive to Armenian issues. In this regard, the President once again thanked the Mayor for close attention to issues of all-Armenian concern and the Armenian community in Paris.

The interlocutors touched upon the EU-Armenia relations in the light of the recently signed CEPA, as well as the upcoming reforms in Armenia.

After the meeting, a reception was held in honor of the Armenian President at the Paris City Hall, attended by Armenian community representatives. During the reception, the Armenian President and Paris Mayor delivered speeches.