Macron: Armenia-France relations entering new stage of strategic partnership
05.05.2026,
18:53
Armenian-French relations, founded on historical friendship and brotherhood, are entering a new stage of development.
YEREVAN, May 5. /ARKA/. Armenian-French relations, founded on historical friendship and brotherhood, are entering a new stage of development. French President Emmanuel Macron, who is on a state visit to Armenia, announced this at a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
"You know that the friendship between France and Armenia was formed on the basis of a shared history and unbreakable brotherhood, and these relations are now experiencing a new turn during this state visit. Armenia has come a long way since my last visit to Yerevan in 2018. It went through war, then established peace, and is now thriving," Macron said.
According to him, Armenia has decisively chosen the path of peace and prosperity and has strengthened its democracy.
"Despite trials, Armenia is confidently moving towards Europe and has always been a full member of the European family.
This progress in European policy is evident. Eight years ago, it would have been impossible to imagine holding a meeting of the European Political Community and the Armenia-EU summit in Yerevan," Macron said.
According to him, today, the relationship between Armenia, France, and the European Union is based on developing potential.
"Today, we have prepared a new stage for progress—increasing investments within the Global Gateway program, expanding our defense partnership, and liberalizing the visa regime with the EU. These are programs that can strengthen the rule of law and bring our countries even closer together. These are important steps along this path, and we have strengthened them further in recent days," Macron said.
He noted that relations between Armenia and France have also advanced significantly over the past eight years.
"The agreement with the French companies Construction and Razel-Bec launches the Bargushat Tunnel project, long awaited in the context of connectivity. We are also proud to be working in the water supply sector, which is crucial for Armenia, through the Veolia Djur company," Macron said.
He recalled that the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) played a significant role in the construction of reservoirs and the restoration and modernization of irrigation systems.
"In recent years, we have also reached a new stage. We have established a defense partnership. The declaration on strategic partnership we signed today further strengthens this cooperation. In recent years, we have strived to modernize the Armenian Armed Forces and strengthen its sovereignty, and this is an important pillar of our bilateral relations," Macron said.
According to him, the Armenia-France partnership is also rooted in education, science, and culture.
"Our strategic partnership is also aimed at supporting Armenia in achieving sustainable peace, for which you have made a bold decision." "We want and are determined to support you. I would also like to welcome certain achievements in trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Macron said.
"You know that the friendship between France and Armenia was formed on the basis of a shared history and unbreakable brotherhood, and these relations are now experiencing a new turn during this state visit. Armenia has come a long way since my last visit to Yerevan in 2018. It went through war, then established peace, and is now thriving," Macron said.
According to him, Armenia has decisively chosen the path of peace and prosperity and has strengthened its democracy.
"Despite trials, Armenia is confidently moving towards Europe and has always been a full member of the European family.
This progress in European policy is evident. Eight years ago, it would have been impossible to imagine holding a meeting of the European Political Community and the Armenia-EU summit in Yerevan," Macron said.
According to him, today, the relationship between Armenia, France, and the European Union is based on developing potential.
"Today, we have prepared a new stage for progress—increasing investments within the Global Gateway program, expanding our defense partnership, and liberalizing the visa regime with the EU. These are programs that can strengthen the rule of law and bring our countries even closer together. These are important steps along this path, and we have strengthened them further in recent days," Macron said.
He noted that relations between Armenia and France have also advanced significantly over the past eight years.
"The agreement with the French companies Construction and Razel-Bec launches the Bargushat Tunnel project, long awaited in the context of connectivity. We are also proud to be working in the water supply sector, which is crucial for Armenia, through the Veolia Djur company," Macron said.
He recalled that the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) played a significant role in the construction of reservoirs and the restoration and modernization of irrigation systems.
"In recent years, we have also reached a new stage. We have established a defense partnership. The declaration on strategic partnership we signed today further strengthens this cooperation. In recent years, we have strived to modernize the Armenian Armed Forces and strengthen its sovereignty, and this is an important pillar of our bilateral relations," Macron said.
According to him, the Armenia-France partnership is also rooted in education, science, and culture.
"Our strategic partnership is also aimed at supporting Armenia in achieving sustainable peace, for which you have made a bold decision." "We want and are determined to support you. I would also like to welcome certain achievements in trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Macron said.
