On May 21, Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of Armenia Jonathan Lacôte.

Greeting the Ambassador, the Minister expressed certainty that French-Armenian relations would grow and expand further in the near future. Mkhitar Hayrapetyan attached importance to revitalization of the economic and cultural ties between the two countries and stated that the Ministries of Education, Culture, Economic Development and Investments, Foreign Affairs and other ministries are also working with the Armenian Diaspora. “A positive atmosphere has been created in Armenia, and the people are expecting changes. People believed and trusted us, and we need to justify that trust. The Diaspora is very diverse, and it is necessary to work with all organizations and institutions. We especially need to work actively with young people and take concrete actions,” the Minister particularly said.

France’s Ambassador expressed gratitude for the meeting and stated that the French Embassy is glad to expand the scopes of cooperation in the new Armenia. “We welcome the sunny and smiling revolution, which helped the world get to know the Armenians better. Armenians of the Diaspora are also excited, especially the young generation. The young people are more developed, progressive, optimistic and flexible and have command of the latest technologies. Many want to return, live and work in the homeland,” the Ambassador added.

Issues related to cooperation in the fields of economy, latest technologies and economy, as well as the Francophonie Summit to be held in Yerevan were discussed during the meeting.