France has opened its honorary consulate in Goris, with Armenian-born Carmen Apunts appointed as the honorary consul. The consulate is located next to the Goris City Hall.

The opening ceremony was attended by French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan, and Goris Mayor Arush Arushanyan.

Governor Ghukasyan noted that the inauguration marked the natural continuation of a series of previous events, according to Armenpress.

Ambassador Decottignies emphasized Goris’s special role for the French: “Goris is the crossroads of Syunik for the French. I believe it is the Armenian city with the strongest ties to France, evidenced by sister-city partnerships, community twinning agreements, and departmental cooperation between Syunik and the French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.”

He further clarified that although technically not a full consulate due to the lack of a large French population in the area, the honorary consulate serves a greater role. “This is more than a consulate,” he said. “Honorary consulates engage in real action. People from France and Armenia, Goris and Syunik, work hand in hand here.”

He noted that for 19 years, French visitors—whether there for work, assistance, or tourism—have been welcomed at Goris’s Francophone Center, spearheaded by Carmen Apunts. “Long live Syunik, long live Goris, and long live Armenian-French friendship,” the ambassador concluded.

France had announced its intention to open a consular presence in Syunik back in 2023. Goris is among Armenia’s most Francophone communities and has hosted a French cultural center since 2006.