On March 6, the delegation led by Mayor of Lyon Georges Képénékian paid a visit to the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia.

Among the delegates were Deputy Mayor of Lyon Karin Donin-Soz, Mayor of Limonest and Vice-President for Decentralized Cooperation of the Metropol of Lyon Max Vensan, President of University 3 of Lyon Jacques Comby, several officials of the staff of the Municipality of Lyon and representatives of French organizations.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Armenia Jonathan Lacôte was also attending the meeting.

Greeting the guests, Minister Hranush Hakobyan congratulated the delegates on the memorandum of cooperation signed between Yerevan and Lyon and considered it a historic event in the year of anniversaries for the Armenian nation. “There are 150,000 Armenians living in France, of which 50,000 reside in Lyon. I would like to express deep gratitude to the authorities of Lyon for the conditions that have helped the Armenian minority of Lyon preserve the Armenian language, culture and religion. I am very glad that the Armenians are proud citizens of France, but continue to stay true to their roots and national belonging. The Armenian community makes its contributions to the development of French culture, economy and other spheres in France,” the Minister of Diaspora stated. Hranush Hakobyan also highlighted the fact that the Francophonie Summit, which Yerevan will host in October, is a major event, and what is more than inspiring is the fact that the direct flights to and from Yerevan and Lyon will be launched in this symbolic year for the Armenians.

Expressing gratitude for the cordial reception, Mayor of Lyon Georges Képénékian stated that Armenia has overcome many hardships over the past decades, and the Diaspora has always been present in the homeland. “A new page has turned in the history of the cooperation between France and Armenia, and in this new stage, we must try to work more practically and pragmatically and contribute to the partnership between our two cities.” Georges Képénékian emphasized the fact that his delegation includes representatives of the spheres of culture, education, medicine, new technologies and economy, and such meetings and discussions open doors for cooperation and perspectives. Touching upon the Francophonie events, the mayor of Lyon stated that the events will be devoted to not only the French language, but also French culture and the value system of the French nation.

Minister Hranush Hakobyan highly appreciated the pro-national activities that Georges Képénékian has carried out during the years of the Spitak Earthquake, the Artsakh war and the independence of Armenia as an influential figure of France and has not forgotten about his roots.

The sides attached importance to the operation of the French University established by the French and Armenian governments in Armenia. The Minister of Diaspora stated that, during her meeting with French Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia Jonathan Lacôte a month ago, importance was attached to the idea of creating a French educational complex in Yerevan that would help integrate the kindergarten-elementary school-primary school-high school-French University chain.

The sides also discussed Armenia’s investment policy and issues related to the business sector. “Armenia is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, but the Armenian people are bearers of European culture. Armenia is a big bridge between two continents, that is to say, a land of opportunities,” the Minister of Diaspora stated. Hranush Hakobyan invited French architects to participate in the 4^th Pan-Armenian Forum of Architects and Engineers in October and said that their participation would foster the advancement of French and Armenian arts and science.

National delegate of SOS Group for International Relations Jul Boyadjian presented the activities of the company that has 480 branches around the world. “The goal of our company is to ensure everyone’s welfare, and we are preparing to expand our activities in Armenia as well,” Jul Boyadjian stated.

At the end of the meeting, Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan granted a symbolic commemorative gift and the “Armenian Diaspora” Yearbook to Mayor of Lyon Georges Képénékian.