Whoever attacks Syunik, attacks Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – says French region’s president in Armenian province

YEREVAN, MARCH 30, ARMENPRESS. The Syunik Province of Armenia and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France have signed an agreement on deepening cooperation in healthcare, economy and tourism.

The signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement was held in the Tatev Monastery Complex. It was signed by Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes President Laurent Wauquiez.

Mayors of cities in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, delegates from French organizations, Syunik provincial authorities, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Vache Terteryan, mayors of cities in Syunik, Members of Parliament representing Syunik constituencies, clergymen, the Armenian Ambassador to France and the French Ambassador to Armenia attended the ceremony.

Priorities of cooperation outlined in the agreement include access to healthcare, economic development – especially in agriculture, vocational education – mainly for the youth, tourism promotion and Francophonie promotion.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes President Laurent Wauquiez, in his remarks, said he knows the historic and meaningful value of visiting the province. “And why are we here today? The struggle for Armenia’s integrity will by and large be determined here, in Syunik, because first of all you have always carried the spirit of Armenian resistance, Syunik has never [retreated]. As someone who comes from a mountainous country, I feel strongly for people like David Bek and Garegin Nzhdeh. Thus, in order for Armenia to achieve success, Syunik must develop and be strong. You are the crossroads of the big roads that can also be the defense of Armenia. Therefore, our goal is to empower this province through joint programs and cooperation. From this moment on, the fates of Syunik and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes are one, this means whoever attacks Syunik attacks Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.”