PM SERGE SARGSYAN TO MEET WITH HIS FRENCH COUNTERPART

armradio.am
25.10.2007 12:52

October 24 RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan left the United States for
France on an official visit. On the first day of the visit the Prime
Minister attended a reception in his honor, featuring members of the
French Senate and the National Assembly, leaders of French-Armenian
organizations.

Serge Sargsyan delivered a greeting speech, in which he said, in part:

"We have a devoted partner in Europe in the face of France, which is
consistently promoting Armenia’s inclusion in European structures. In
this respect, we highly appreciate France’s important assistance
especially in the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy.

France is sincerely interested in the reduction of tension in the
South Caucasus and establishment of stability and makes constructive
efforts in this direction. All of you are aware of France’s useful
involvement in the negotiations on the Karabakh conflict settlement
together with the United States and Russia.

Today we are effectively cooperating with France in most different
spheres.

Today there are 120 enterprises in Armenia operating with participation
of French capital.

Our Government attaches great importance to cultural, scientific
and educational exchanges and encourages the joint programs in these
spheres.

Loving and speaking French has been traditionally peculiar of the
Armenian society, and in this regard we think the success of the
French University of Yerevan was natural. I know that notwithstanding
its youth, this is one of the best French Universities outside France."

PM Serge Sargsyan noted that the role of the French Armenian Community
is great in the reinforcement of Armenian-French friendship. French
Armenians are a live bridge between the two peoples.

Turning to the Year of Armenia in France, the Prime Minister expressed
gratitude to the political leadership of France, local self-government
bodies and all establishments and individuals who helped make the
Year of Armenia in France a real celebration. He said the Year of
Armenia will become a decisive impetus for the development of cultural,
economic, educational and scientific ties and will further reinforce
the traditional friendship between the two countries and peoples.

Today Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan is scheduled to meet with his
French counterpart Francois Fillon.