Within the framework of the working visit, the delegation led by the President of the Republic of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan held a number of meetings with the local leadership in Marseille on December 9.
The head of state had a private conversation with Martine Vassal, chairman of the Council of the Department of Bouches du Rhône, then the meeting continued in a wide format with the participation of representatives of the Council of the Department.
Harutyunyan expressed his gratitude to those present in 2020. for the resolution on providing urgent international humanitarian aid to the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, adopted on October 23 at the height of the war unleashed against Artsakh.
Arayik Harutyunyan highlighted the fact that even today they continue to actively protect the interests of the people of Artsakh.
Then there was a meeting with the President of the Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur Region, Renaud Muselier.
Arayik Harutyunyan emphasized the need to expand and deepen cooperation with the administrative regions of France. In that context, the President of Artsakh thanked the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Council for 2020. for adopting a resolution on the international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh on December 17, noting that it was a very important and encouraging step from both political and moral perspectives.
During the meeting, the parties signed a joint declaration condemning Azerbaijan’s aggression towards Artsakh and Armenia, and supporting the inalienable rights of the people of Artsakh, especially the right to self-determination.
The document emphasizes that only a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict respecting the interests of all parties can open a new page of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. At the same time, the international community is called to condemn Azerbaijan for war crimes, violation of human rights, as well as imprisonment of political prisoners and prisoners of war in Azerbaijan.
The next meeting of the delegation headed by President Harutyunyan was with the mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan.
Issues related to decentralized cooperation with Artsakh regions and communities were discussed. Mayor Payan assured that he will continue to make all possible efforts to increase the humanitarian assistance programs directed to Artsakh.
RA Consul General, and philanthropist Vardan Sirmakesh also participated in the meetings.
