Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and French President Emmanuel Macron visited Gyumri on Tuesday as part of Macron’s state visit to Armenia.
The visit began with a tribute to the victims of the 1988 earthquake.
Pashinyan, Khachaturyan and Macron later attended the “Musical Bridge: Armenia-France” concert held at Vardanants Square in Gyumri.
Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked residents for the warm welcome and said he had often told Macron about the French president’s popularity in Armenia.
“When we were speaking in France, I told President Macron that he enjoys great popularity in Armenia, and he said perhaps I was exaggerating. Now, every time we see scenes like this, I remind him that I was not exaggerating,” Pashinyan said.
Macron, in turn, thanked the people of Armenia and Gyumri for their hospitality.
“Before leaving, dear Nikol, Mr. Prime Minister, I wanted to say a few words and thank you. First, I would like to thank the orchestra and all the musicians who performed and will continue the concert. I also want to thank you for the warm welcome extended to me and my entire delegation in Yerevan and here in Gyumri,” Macron said.
The French president also recalled the devastating 1988 earthquake, saying the world had stood up for Armenia during those tragic days.
“No one has forgotten December 1988, when the clocks stopped, the entire city froze, and the world rose for you, Armenia. Gyumri was reborn after hell and winter, and new springs came,” Macron said.
“We know all the hardships you have gone through in recent years. And as long as Gyumri stands here, Armenia moves forward with peace and stability, alongside Europe. Just as we stood by your side in December 1988, we will stand by your side now,” he added.
Macron concluded his remarks with the words: “Thank you, Gyumri. Thank you, Armenia. And never forget: France loves you. Long live Armenia, long live France, and long live Gyumri.”
