Armenian PM, President host state dinner in honor of France’s Macron

A state dinner was hosted at the Presidential Residence in Yerevan on behalf of Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Ahead of the dinner, a state awards ceremony took place during which Macron was awarded Armenia’s Order of Glory for his “significant personal contribution” to strengthening traditional Armenian-French friendship and expanding bilateral cooperation.

In turn, Macron awarded Khachaturyan and Pashinyan the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.

During the ceremony, the leaders exchanged toasts and spoke about Armenian-French relations and prospects for further cooperation.

In his remarks, Pashinyan described Macron as a “great friend, brother and relative” of the Armenian people and credited him with playing a “turning point” role in shaping Armenia’s current regional strategy and peace agenda.

The Armenian prime minister particularly referred to the quadrilateral meeting held in Prague on October 6, 2022, saying the current regional reality and peace architecture were largely formed there.

“When it seemed that the Republic of Armenia no longer had any hope or support, we felt and touched President Macron’s hand at the most difficult moment,” Pashinyan said.

Macron, in turn, said France had simply “done its duty” by supporting Armenia during difficult periods.

“If we stood by your side at that time, it was because it was just,” Macron said. “Your country’s struggle throughout history has always been a just struggle.”

The French president praised Armenia’s choice of “peace, stability and Europe” and said France would continue supporting Armenia on that path.

Macron also noted that the Armenia-France strategic partnership agreement to be signed on Wednesday will open “a new economic chapter” between the two countries and further strengthen defense, cultural and educational cooperation.