Armenian town of Kapan inaugurates Saint-Étienne Francophonie Center

The Saint-Étienne Francophonie Center was inaugurated in the Armenian town of Kapan on Wednesday. 

The opening of the center was Kapan Mayor Gevorg Parsyan initiative. The center is named after Saint-Étienne in honor of the warm and sincere friendship between Kapan and Saint-Étienne, which have been sister cities since 2023.

Saint-Étienne Mayor Gaël Perdriau led a delegation to Kapan on an official visit to attend the inauguration. French embassy diplomats, officials, Members of Parliament and others also attended the inauguration.

The educational-cultural center will serve as a platform for various events and cooperation with France.

“It was important for us to have such a center in Kapan, because it will not only bridge our town with the Francophone world but also greatly contribute to educational, cultural and language exchanges,” Kapan Mayor Gevorg Parsyan said. He added that the center will promote French language, literature and culture.

Saint-Étienne Mayor Gaël Perdriau said that Armenia is the crossroad of history and cultures, and by opening the Francophonie Center the sides reiterate that knowledge, open thinking and youth are the best defense against any challenge.

“The fact that this very name has been chosen for this place is a great honor for our city and a testament to the sincere friendship between our two cities,” he said, lauding the mutual commitment to "jointly build the future where culture, education and youth are in the focus."

The local public library union and the Alliance Franco-Armenienne de la Loire signed a memorandum of cooperation during the event.