Year of Armenia in France - Important Message to Numerous Armenian Community of France

PanARMENIAN.Net - The second sitting of the joint organization committee on the Year of Armenia in France was held in Yerevan yesterday. Welcoming the delegation led by Philippe Etienne, Director general for international cooperation and development at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chairman of the state coordinating commission for the conduction of the Year of Armenia in France, Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan noted that according to the agreement concluded between the President of Armenia and France, the conduction of the Year of Armenia in France demonstrates the high level of relations between the two states. In his opinion it will mark another stage of the Armenian-French friendly relations, which successfully develop in political, economic, cultural and other directions. The RA Premier stressed that the Year of Armenia in France appears as a golden opportunity to familiarize not only France but also entire Europe with the Armenian history and cultural values. He also noted that the Year carries an important message to the numerous Armenian community of France, which serves as a bridge between the Armenian and French nations. Andranik Margaryan also voiced hope that the sitting will be as fruitful and the previous one and wished the committee every success in performing the mission.



In his turn, Philippe Etienne stressed that the Year of Armenia in France with the slogan "Armenia, My Friend" is an exclusive opportunity for the development of the ties and contacts. The French people show great interest to the Armenian culture and civilization. Thanking for the warm welcome he expressed hope that both parties will do their best to make the Year of Armenia in France the brightest and impressing event in the history of the friendly Armenian-French relationships.



The delegation members stressed that French President Jacques Chirac attached great importance to the event and his presence in the committee is the evidence of it. It was noted that the events will be organized both in Armenia and France and the opening ceremony will take place in September 2006 in Yerevan. The parties said the events will be covered by media and the best French salons and cultural institutions will be granted for their conduction in over 40 towns. The third and fourth sittings of the committee will be held in March 2006 in Paris and in May 2006 in Yerevan. Andranik Margaryan thanked the French delegation for the activities and voiced assurance that the agreements between the Armenian and French Presidents on the conduction of the Year of France in Armenia will be made a reality.