An Armenian government statement on the talks said Macron reaffirmed that “unconditional support” and his readiness to further deepen French-Armenian relations.
According to the statement, the two leaders discussed not only bilateral ties but also the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, with Pashinian once again reiterating his desire to sign an initial peace deal with Azerbaijan. Macron was reported to back Yerevan’s peace efforts as well as its position on the opening of direct transport links between the two South Caucasus states.
The French presidential Elysee Palace did not immediately release a readout of the talks.
Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York last week, Macron said France “stands firmly” with Armenia “in the face of pressure from Azerbaijan.” The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry denounced the remark, saying that Paris must end its “unconstructive actions in our region” and stop “heavily arming” Armenia.
Visiting Yerevan earlier in September, then French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne defended France’s deepening military ties with Armenia. He also urged Baku to reciprocate Yerevan’s desire to promptly sign the peace deal.
Armenia joined the OIF under its previous government. It hosted a summit of the loose grouping of over three dozen mostly French-speaking nations in 2018.