The Armenian Home for Culture and Youth of Marseille and the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in Marseille, set up an Armenian pavilion at the 92^nd annual International Marseille Fair, which was held at Chanot Park in Marseille from September 23 to October 3. Visitors were provided with the opportunity to learn about Armenian culture and tourism, the reforms that have been taken place in the spheres of sport, healthcare, banking and other sectors in Armenia and the achievements that have been made, as reported the press service of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On September 30, the organizers of the fair declared the day as the “Official Day of Armenia”, the opening ceremony of which was attended by President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence region-Deputy Gi Tesie, President of the General Council of the Bouche-du-Ron Department Martin Vasal, RA Consul in Marseille Samvel Lalayan, Deputy of the French National Assembly Valerie Buaye, Deputy Mayor of Marseille Didier Parakian, General Director of the Marseille International Fair Loik Fouchon, President of the Armenian Home for Culture and Youth Garo Hovsepian and President of the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bernard Hademian. Among others attending the ceremony were mayors of the Provence-Alp-Cot-d’Azour region, representatives of the regional, district and community authorities, clergymen, public, political and cultural figures and members of the local Armenian community.

The speakers particularly recalled the 22^nd of September 1991 since that was the day when the tricolor flag of the Republic of Armenia was raised at the Marseille International Fair following the declaration of independence of the Republic of Armenia the day before, signaling the creation of the pavilion of Armenia. The speakers emphasized that the presence of the Armenian pavilion at the annual fair promotes the development of the cooperation between France and Armenia in economy, culture, science and other spheres. In their speeches, the speakers stated that France has always supported Armenia throughout the past 25 years and is ready to help, support and participate in any event that will contribute to the development and prosperity of Armenia and Artsakh.

RA Consul in Marseille Samvel Lalayan stated that the Bouche-du-Ron Department, Aix-Marseille-Provence region and the Municipality of Marseille have always shown their active support to and participation in the events devoted to Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian community and voiced hope that the fair would provide new opportunities to further promote the economic and cultural relations between France and Armenia.

The event featured musical performances by the students of the school of Hamazkayin Marseille.