The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, according to official readouts of the talks held on the sidelines of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit taking place in the French capital.
“The Head of State reiterated France's full support for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as the signing of a peace treaty in accordance with international law,” read a statement released by the presidential Elysee Palace. “He also reiterated France's determination to support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia as well as the aspirations of the Armenian people for peace, security and democracy.”
The statement said Macron and Pashinian “agreed to continue the development of cooperation projects between France and Armenia, particularly in the fields of energy, defense and transport.” Pashinian was cited by his press office as saying that French-Armenian relations have “reached a new level” in the past year.
France, which is home to an influential Armenian community, has emerged in recent years as Armenia’s leading Western backer and supplier of weapons. The two countries have signed a series of contracts for the delivery of French weapons to the Armenian military, prompting strong condemnation from Azerbaijan.
Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikian underlined their growing military cooperation during a fresh visit to Paris in December. The visit coincided with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s calls for the European Union to deepen its ties with Armenia and “provide it with all the support it has the right to expect.”
Pashinian’s office said he also discussed with Macron “prospects for further development of the Armenia-EU cooperation.” It did not give any details.
The Armenian parliament is due to debate and approve this week a government-backed bill on the “start of a process of Armenia's accession to the European Union.” Neither France nor any other EU member state has so far publicly voiced support for the South Caucasus nation’s EU membership bid resented by Russia.