France’s Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Armenia during his visit to Yerevan on Monday. His trip was intended to underscore the friendship between the French and Armenian governments and peoples, with a focus on defense cooperation, democratic values, and broader diplomatic ties.
At a joint press conference with Armenia’s FM Mirzoyan, Séjourné stressed that France would continue its defense collaboration with Armenia, stating, “Armenia must be able to protect its territory, integrity, and population.” He added that defense cooperation between friendly nations is natural and carried out with respect for sovereignty, “without any intention of escalation.” As Séjourné clarified, “The defense cooperation of the two countries is not aimed at aggravating the situation in the region.”
Séjourné defended France’s continued deepening military relationship with Armenia, listing “defense” among the main issues on the agenda of his talks in Yerevan, stressing that it respects regional stability and sovereignty.
Séjourné addressed the geopolitical challenges Armenia faces, particularly from Russia, and vowed to support Armenia in the face of “Russian pressure.” He emphasized that despite Russia’s threats and open hostility, Armenia continues to advance towards democracy and freedom. “You can always count on our support in the defense of democratic values,” Séjourné assured, adding that France stands by Armenia and other countries fighting for these values. “France is always by your side,” he reiterated.
Séjourné emphasized the bipartisan nature of French support for Armenia, explaining, “There are very few topics in France that all political directions would agree upon. We can say that Armenia is one of these topics.”
The French-Armenian relationship, according to Séjourné, “continues to strengthen,” and France is “determined to support this friendly country in the defense of its sovereignty and search for peace.” Séjourné expressed France’s long-term commitment to Armenia, irrespective of changes in political leadership, saying, “There will be no change in the values we defend. The continuity of our support and strong ties will be maintained, the values of democracy, friendship, and peace, the historic relationship will be maintained.”
Over the past year, Paris and Yerevan have signed several defense contracts, including agreements for French-manufactured radars, artillery, short-range air-defense systems, and armored personnel carriers for the Armenian military. Armenia is expected to receive 36 CAESAR self-propelled howitzers by the end of next year. Azerbaijan has condemned the howitzer deal signed in June, calling it “another proof of France’s provocative actions in the South Caucasus” and warning of a new “hotbed of war.” Russia has also criticized the agreement.
Séjourné used the occasion to urge Azerbaijan to respond positively to Armenia’s desire for peace, particularly in light of the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku. He stated, “Armenia wants peace, France wants peace, the international community wants peace, and since Azerbaijan will soon host the COP29 [summit,] it is incumbent on it to show that it sincerely wants to achieve that peace before COP29.”
The French FM expressed support for Armenia’s repeated offers to sign an interim peace deal that includes the majority of the articles of the draft Armenian-Azerbaijani treaty. FM Mirzoyan echoed this sentiment, saying, “Again, we are ready to sign as soon as possible the peace agreement, the text that has already been agreed between Azerbaijan and Armenia.”
However, Baku has consistently rejected these offers, making the signing of a peace agreement contingent on Armenia altering its constitution, which Azerbaijan claims includes territorial aspirations.
Séjourné also reflected on his earlier visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial, calling it an “intensely emotional” experience. He remarked, “The Armenian Genocide is something that played a big role in the history of our countries,” and emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of such historical crimes to counter attempts to revise history.
