Yerevan appreciates Paris` efforts toward long-lating peace and  stability in region - RA MFA 

ArmInfo.On February 2, the fifth forum of decentralized cooperation between the subjects of  Armenia and France kicked off in Goris.

Addressing the participants of the forum with a welcoming speech,  Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan  noted that Armenia highly appreciates France's position on issues  related to supporting the sovereignty and borders of the Armenian  state, as well as further strengthening democracy. The diplomat  stressed that Yerevan also highly appreciates Paris's assistance in  expanding and developing relations between Armenia and the European  Union, strengthening the defense capabilities of the Republic of  Armenia and its economic resilience.

Kostanyan noted that one of the most actively developing areas of  interaction between Armenia and France is interregional cooperation,  and holding a forum in Goris at such a high level is its next  manifestation, especially in the context of the development of the  country's border regions, including the Syunik region of the  republic. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the opening of the  Honorary Consulate of France in Goris, expected today, speaks of the  high level of bilateral relations. "We hope that the opening of the  Honorary Consulate will give additional impetus to attracting French  capital to the Syunik region of Armenia and the implementation of  programs of strategic importance. Today, fraternal relations between  the two countries are at an unprecedented high level. Cooperation is  consistently developing in almost all areas, including strategic  ones," Vahan Kostanyan said. He recalled the participation of French  Minister of European Affairs and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot in  the "Yerevan Days" recently held in the capital of Armenia, who  announced the intentions of French businesses to begin active  investments in Armenia.

Speaking about the ongoing geopolitical processes, which are  accompanied by numerous challenges, the Deputy Minister noted that  Armenia is determined to establish long-term peace and security in  the region, bearing in mind the principles of territorial integrity,  sovereignty and inviolability of the borders of the South Caucasus  states, which Armenia and Azerbaijan accepted in accordance with the  Alma-Ata Declaration of 1991. "We are committed to normalizing  relations with Azerbaijan. As is known, both countries have reached  an agreement on the text of the peace treaty. Armenia is ready to  immediately sign this document and ratify it later. We can assure you  that the only way to resolve the remaining issues and doubts should  be the signing of a peace treaty. Our goal is to create a safe and  peaceful region in which conflicts will be replaced by cooperation,  open gates will appear instead of closed borders, and interstate  relations will begin to develop instead of various threats. To  achieve these goals, the RA government has initiated the "Crossroads  of Peace" project, which aims to develop communications with all of  Armenia's closest neighbors. In this context, Yerevan appreciates  Paris's efforts aimed at establishing long-term peace and stability  in the region," the RA Deputy Foreign Minister said.