On October 23, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan received a delegation headed by Laurent Wauquiez, President of the Regional Council of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Greeting Laurent Wauquiez on the occasion of the first visit to Armenia, Minister Mnatsakanyan expressed confidence that this high profile visit would contribute to further strengthening of the centuries-old Armenian - French friendship and ties between the two nations.

The interlocutors exchanged views on issues on the Armenian-French multilateral agenda, highlighting the need for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. 

Both sides highlighted the importance of promoting contacts between business circles, as well as the development and implementation of joint programs, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of education and science.

The two sides reflected on decentralized cooperation and its opportunities between Armenia and France. In this context, the two sides attached importance to the promotion of decentralized cooperation between Artsakh and France.

The Foreign Minister highly appreciated continued efforts of local self-government bodies of France, at the core of which lies respect of human rights.

The role of the Armenian community in the social-political life of France and as a bridge between the two friendly countries was mutually appreciated.

The interlocutors exchanged views on a number of issues on regional and international agenda.