Armenia and France strengthen cultural ties through national library cooperation

Within the framework of the two-day international conference entitled “France-Armenia: Historical and Cultural Dialogue”, which kicked off in Yerevan on April 29, the heads of the national libraries of Armenia and France, Anna Chulyan and Gilles Pecou, signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation. The agreement, designed for three years with the possibility of extension, aims to deepen collaboration between the two institutions.

Anna Chulyan, Director of the National Library of Armenia, noted that significant cooperation agreements have also been signed with the National Charter School and Kalfa Modern Technologies.

“This will open new opportunities for joint projects, digitization efforts, professional exchanges, and research activities,” she said. “Our conference is dedicated to studying the rich cultural and historical heritage of the past, and through it, to enriching bilateral ties and cooperation. The National Library of Armenia has been actively collaborating with its French counterpart since 2024. Since taking office in April, Gilles Pecou has shown readiness to support all our initiatives and proposals. I believe that from now on we will have a clear framework for future cooperation with the National Library of France, including collaboration with other organizations.”

Former French Ambassador to Austria and current Director of the National Library of France, Gilles Pecou, emphasized the importance of professional exchange visits in developing collaborative mechanisms.

“Professional mutual visits are essential for developing cooperation,” he said in an interview with Armenpress. “Another priority is the digitization process, which we aim to organize with the support of private foundations.”

According to Pecou, the initial focus will be on digitizing rare samples of the Armenian press published in France, many of which exist only in the archives of the National Library of France. Plans are also underway to organize exhibitions and public lectures as part of the collaboration.

French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies, highlighting the significance of the initiative.

“This is a very important stage in the dialogue between our two countries,” he said.

 “National libraries are key institutions, treasures of Armenian and French cultures. Now, there is an opportunity for multilateral cooperation. The National Library of Armenia houses a rich collection related to France, while the National Library of France holds an extensive Armenian archive.”