Meeting with Foreign Minister

On April 24, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan received the delegation led by Bruno Retailleau, the chairman of the International Awareness Group on Nagorno Karabakh of the French Senate and the head of the "Republicans" faction, that was also joined by Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, the chairman of the France-Armenia Friendship Group, the Press Office of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.

"Ararat Mirzoyan expressed gratitude for the important issues for Armenia, especially in 2020. For the solidarity and principled positions expressed by France, including the Senate, since the 44-day war. The minister highlighted the need for France's continued involvement and efforts, stressing the imperative to resolve all existing issues without the use of force or the threat of force to achieve lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus," the report added.

"Bruno Retailleau presented his visit to the Lachin Corridor yesterday and his conclusions. Both sides referred to the situation created by the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor. Steps aimed at the illegal establishment of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan in the Lachin Corridor, aimed at subjecting the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing, were considered unacceptable. Minister Mirzoyan noted that the speech of hatred against Armenians, which is heard at the highest level in Azerbaijan, as well as the destruction of Armenian historical, cultural, and religious heritage, is a clear manifestation of this," the information said.

On the occasion of the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the imperative to prevent genocide and new crimes against humanity was emphasized. The meeting also discussed bilateral cooperation between Armenia and France, based on the shared values ​​and historic friendship of the two peoples, as well as issues related to the Armenia-EU partnership agenda. 

Meeting with Prime Minister

On the same day, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation headed by Bruno Retailleau, the Press Office of the Armenian Prime Minister reported.

The Prime Minister welcomed the visit of the Senate delegation to Armenia and highly commended France's support in this difficult period. The Head of the Government thanked the Senate for adopting important resolutions regarding Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. "This time, you are here on the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an important and symbolic day for us. As I mentioned in my message today, this is the most opportune moment to reflect on the past, present and future," the Prime Minister said.

Bruno Retailleau, in turn, noted: "On April 24, we stand by the Armenian people and together with you pay tribute to the memory of the innocent victims. They are also our victims because it is about the tragedy of all humanity." Retailleau once again expressed France's support and solidarity with Armenia in solving existing problems and overcoming challenges.

"The interlocutors touched upon the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted by the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the installation of an illegal checkpoint by Azerbaijan in the Lachin Corridor in gross violation of the November 9, 2020 declaration, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the context of ensuring security and stability in the region, the effective activity of the EU observation mission in Armenia was highlighted," the report added.