Armenia-France Forum on Decentralized Cooperation held in Goris

The Armenian town of Goris in Syunik hosted on Monday the 5th Armenia-France Forum on Decentralized Cooperation.

French official delegations have arrived to participate in the forum. 

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan, in his welcoming remarks, lauded the decentralized cooperation between the two countries, describing it as the “most-dynamic” sector in bilateral ties. 

The expanded French delegation at the forum shows the friendship between the two nations, he said.

“Increasing the resilience of Syunik province is among the Armenian government’s priorities, which is aimed at developing and strengthening security, economic, educational, healthcare and other capabilities. In this issue, France, among our international partners, has a key role, for which I am grateful,” Khudatyan said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan in his remarks underscored the meaning behind holding the forum in Goris given the goal to increase resilience in strategically important regions. “The upcoming official opening of the office of the honorary consul of France in Goris today speaks about this clear political will. We hope that pursuant to the agreement reached between our two governments, soon we will see the involvement of French companies in Syunik in implementation of a strategically important infrastructure project. Our relationship anchored on historical friendship is on the highest level ever, with the aim to also support Armenia to overcome regional challenges,” Kostanyan said.

Kostanyan said the cooperation between Armenia and France has been constantly expanding, encompassing strategically significant areas.

On behalf of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, David Bertolotti, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, welcomed the participants of the forum with a video message.

“The President of France has stated that French support for Armenia is unconditional, full and permanent,” he said. 

Bertolotti said that without the involvement of local-self government bodies and civil society the strengthening of bilateral ties would have been impossible. 

“It is difficult to find a more beautiful example of friendship and close ties than between our two peoples. Now we must create stronger ties and coordinate our actions to multiply their effect. These meetings have been organized in this spirit and must serve as a platform for contacts and exchange of experience between partners, seeking to support Armenia’s sovereignty and resilience. This forum is an important meeting and will allow to clearly address several key topics pertaining to decentralized cooperation for the benefit of economic development, the youth, local governance, women’s role in government, as well as support for the needs of the displaced Armenian refugees of Nagorno-Karabakh,” Bertolotti said.