YEREVAN, APRIL 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on April 9 received Martine Vassal President of the Bouches-du-Rhône Departmental Council and President of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis of France.

According to the readout issued by the Armenian Foreign Ministry, FM Mirzoyan emphasized that the relations between Armenia and France, which are considered privileged in their content, are currently evolving with a broad agenda and new directions aimed at enhancing the resistance of the Republic of Armenia. In this context, the importance of increased interaction, especially in the economic sphere, and the expansion of business ties was emphasized.

According to the source, the interlocutors also discussed the possibilities of decentralized cooperation, which has been built on solid foundations. Among them  the participation of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in health programs in various regions of Armenia was mentioned.

Issues related to the Armenia-EU partnership agenda were discussed at the meeting. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that Armenia, as a part of European civilization and with an agenda of democratic reforms, is significantly deepening its relations with the European Union and its member states.

"The security situation in the South Caucasus and the existing challenges were addressed during the meeting. FM Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of referencing the Alma-Ata Declaration and reaffirming mutual recognition of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the statement adopted as a result of the quadrilateral meeting held in Prague in October 2022, with the participation of the French President. The Foreign Minister of Armenia presented the recent discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the main issues concerning the process of negotiations," reads the statement.

 At the meeting the rights and needs of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as humanitarian issues, were addressed.