December 9, 2008 - 15:08 AMT
Armenia thanks France for 1988 earthquake relief efforts
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met Monday with members of the National Assembly of France, Chairman of the France-Armenia Friendship Group Francois Rochebloine and Vice-Chairman Rene Rouquet, who have arrived in Armenia to attend commemoration events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the 1988 earthquake, the RA leader's press office told PanARMENIAN.Net.

Thanking France for the earthquake relief efforts, President Sargsyan hailed the activities of the French parliamentarians and informed that he has signed a decree to award Francois Rochebloine and Rene Rouquet with the Order of Honor for the aid they rendered to Armenia after the devastating earthquake of 1988 and for their continued efforts for strengthening friendly relations between the peoples of Armenia and France.

Receiving the award Mr. Rochebloine said it encourages him for greater efforts while Mr. Rouquet described the award as acknowledgment of his twenty-year long activities.

The parties also referred to the prospects of bilateral economic and political relations and cooperation within international organizations.