YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The 4th conference of the Armenian-French decentralized cooperation was launched in Yerevan, which will last from December 1-2.

Edward Nalbandian, minister of foreign affairs of Armenia, delivered opening remarks highlighting the cooperation between Armenia and France on the level of local administrative bodies.

“The Armenian-French cooperation has developed and strengthened in various directions during the last years, marked by deepening of inter-parliamentary ties, expansion of economic cooperation, continuous strengthening of cultural and scientific-educational relations. Simultaneously, the decentralized cooperation, which was established between our countries 50 years ago and has gained momentum since Armenia’s independence, has also developed. Today, within the framework of over seven dozens of cooperation agreements between cities and regions of Armenia and France, we implement numerous joint projects every year in the fields of tourism, agriculture, education, culture, healthcare and others, which in terms of proportionate development for our provinces and communities is a unique assistance”, Nalbandian said.

Edward Nalbandian also mentioned the conference is importance within the framework of La Francophonie, the next summit of which will be held in Armenia in 2018.

“I am sure this 4th conference will open new prospects, and reveal new substantial horizons for decentralized cooperation”, Nalbandian said,

The first conference of the Armenian-French decentralized cooperation was held in 2006 in Paris.