Armenia reaffirms commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with  Fr5ance in all strategically important fields - vice-premier

ArmInfo.  The Armenian government reaffirms its commitment to deepening bilateral  cooperation in all strategically important areas with France. This  was stated by Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Khachatryan in  his welcoming speech at a reception at the French Embassy in Yerevan  on the occasion of Bastille Day.

The Armenian official noted that in these difficult geopolitical  times, it is especially important to reaffirm the determination to  choose the democratic path, freedom, peace and equality.

"Bastille Day marks the victory of the principles of freedom,  equality and fraternity, so celebrating the holiday on July 14 means  once again assessing and emphasizing the will of the people,  democracy and determination to build a state. We also share the  above-mentioned values that the French chose more than 200 years ago  and which they defend to this day. And we build our special,  historically friendly relations on these universal values,"  Khachatryan said.

At the same time, he noted that the fraternal relations between  Armenia and France are best manifested in close political dialogue,  economic, educational, cultural, decentralized and defense  cooperation, as well as mutual respect and sincere friendship between  the two peoples.

Khachatryan added that this year, like the previous ones, was dynamic  in terms of multifaceted Armenian- French cooperation and was marked  by both high-level bilateral visits and significant results achieved  as a result of these visits.

According to him, a number of significant events were also held,  including the fifth conference of decentralized cooperation between  Armenia and France in Goris, as well as the first annual  consultations between Armenia and the French Development Agency in  Paris earlier this month.

"I congratulate all of us on the dynamic and rich bilateral agenda,  as well as on such a high level of cooperation. This is another  opportunity to express our gratitude to the French side for the  support provided to us, for the efforts aimed at protecting the  territorial integrity of Armenia and establishing a fair and lasting  peace in the South Caucasus, for cooperation in international forums,  for strengthening the EU- Armenia agenda, for support and cooperation  within the International Organization of Francophonie and the UN,"  the Deputy Prime Minister added. In conclusion, Khachatryan noted  that Armenia will continue to make efforts to transform the bilateral  special relations into a full-fledged strategic partnership for the  benefit of both states and peoples.