On 21 November Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited the city of Villeurbanne, France and attended the solemn event marking the launching of the Artsakh Days in France.
In his speech President Sahakyan pointed out that “France is a friendly country for Artsakh, the people of France are fraternal people for us,” adding that such centuries-long perception were evidence-based.
“France has become a second homeland for hundreds of thousands of Armenians, ensuring favorable conditions for their self-fulfillment and prosperous life. And it is no coincidence that Armenians of France have given a whole constellation of renowned people representing diverse spheres, who have enriched not only the Armenian but also the French and mankind’s culture, education, sport and other spheres,” Bako Sahakyan stated.
The President considered symbolic the official beginning of the Artsakh Days in Villeurbanne, the town which has large Armenian community and solid ties with Artsakh.
Bako Sahakyan extended gratitude to the author of photographs presented in the exhibition devoted to Artsakh and its organizers for the unique portrayal of the country.
He added that such distinguished work allows people unfamiliar with Artsakh to get acquainted with the country, its nature, history, come close to its culture and people, their inner world, thereby inflaming the desire and interest to visit the republic.
During the event President Sahakyan handed in the “Gratitude” medal to mayor of Villeurbanne Jean-Paul Bret and extended words of gratitude to him and the entire staff of the city administration for their activity, qualifying it from political, moral, legal, cultural, humanitarian and other perspectives.
The President expressed his confidence in the strengthening, expansion and deepening of bilateral relations in due course.
