The Catholicos of All Armenians Received Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe
21.02.2023
On February 21, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the delegation led by the former Prime Minister of the French Republic and Mayor of Le Havre Mr. Edouard Philippe in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of Armenia Mrs. Anne Louyot was also present at the meeting.
Welcoming the guests' visit to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness expressed his gratitude to the French authorities for the support and assistance they brought to Armenia and the Armenian people during the difficult days of the 2020 Artsakh war and post-war period.
Referring to the situation in the region, the Patriarch of All Armenians expressed his concerns related to the dimensional policy pursued by Azerbaijan; the humanitarian disaster created in Artsakh as a result of blocking the Lachin Corridor; the occupation of the sovereign territories of Armenia, as well as the undisturbed preservation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan and the problems of the return of the captives.
His Eminence emphasized the clear position and active efforts of the international community and structures to prevent the reprehensible policy adopted by Azerbaijan.
The Armenian Patriarch expressed his hope that the Artsakh issue will find a just solution and peace will be established during the period with the support of France and friendly countries, and with the strong will and faith of our people.
His Eminence highly appreciated the efforts invested by Mr. Edouard Philippe and the members of the delegation headed by him in the matter of protection of the right to a free and independent life of Artsakh Armenians.
In turn, the former Prime Minister emphasized that the delegation's visit to Armenia reaffirms France's friendly attitude towards the Armenian people. Mr. Edouard Philippe also referred to the steps taken by France in the European and UN Security Councils, aimed at overcoming the problems facing Armenia and condemning the Azerbaijani aggression.
Mr. Edouard Philippe assured that France will continue to make efforts to promote peace in the region.
