Distinguished Mr. Ambassador,

Dear representatives of the diplomatic corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cordially congratulate you, Mr. Ambassador, and through you, the friendly people of France on the occasion of the French National Holiday.

The message that the people of France for already two centuries convey to humanity on July 14, belongs today to all those who recognize the principles of freedom, equality and fraternity, who consider human rights and the rights of peoples as universal values. We share these principles and values ​​with France, and the velvet revolution is a clear evidence of these words.

Indeed this commonality of the system of values and worldview serves as a foundation of the centuries-old Armenian-French friendship. It provides for the strength and reliability of the ties between our countries. This is what makes our relations privileged.

High-level political dialogue between Armenia and France, multilateral cooperation in all possible areas, as well as the cooperation in multilateral formats attest to it.

The principled position of the authorities of friendly France on all issues concerning Armenia and the Armenian people is invaluable. Be it the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the issue of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia's development agenda or the Armenia-EU relations -  Armenia always feels the friendly presence of France by its side.

This year is symbolic for the relations between our friendly states. In October, we are looking forward to hosting President Macron on a state visit. The 17th Summit of La Francophonie will be held in Yerevan during the same days. These two major events attest to Armenia's strong ties with France and the Francophone world.

It is symbolic also that one of the first meetings of the Armenian Prime Minister during his visit to Brussels two days ago was exactly with the President of France Emmanuel Macron, and it was held in a warm and practical atmosphere. This deep mutual understanding between our political leaders and the forged human warmth give us ground to believe that the relations between our two countries are indeed on a practical course. It is even more symbolic that during that period the mottos of our leaders have the same word - " a step".

I have no doubt that the Armenian-French relations based on centuries-old traditions of friendship between our peoples will continue to strengthen, deepen and expand.

Once again I congratulate you, Mr. Ambassador, as well as the whole staff of the Embassy of France and all the French people in Armenia on the occasion of the French National Holiday.

Long live France,

Long live Armenia,

Long live Armenian-French friendship.