ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan received today Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of France to Armenia Anne Louyot. Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan and the Rector of the French University in Armenia Salva Nakkosi attended the meeting.

Ambassador Anne Louyot congratulated Zhanna Andreasyan on assuming the post of Minister, expressing confidence that efficient cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, science, culture and sport will be long-standing.

Welcoming the Ambassador, Zhanna Andreasyan noted that the meeting is a good opportunity to outline the current year's activities within the wide scope of cooperation between the two countries. According to the Minister, significant progress has been made in the direction of a number of joint programs, in particular, for the program of French language assistants in Armenia, which was amended by the ESCS Ministry. According to Zhanna Andreasyan, the project is currently in circulation, and after summarizing the opinions, the ESCS Ministry will be ready to sign a partnership agreement on the implementation of the project.

According to the Minister, there is also great progress in the direction of advanced teaching of the French language in general education schools of the Republic of Armenia and the implementation of an additional program of Francophonie. The objective of the cooperation is to stimulate the advanced study of the French language and literature in high schools of the Republic of Armenia, the introduction and implementation of an additional program of Francophonie in addition to the basic general education program. According to Zhanna Andreasyan, all the basic principles have been clarified within the framework of the program: it is expected that the list of new school or schools to be included in the mentioned program will also be clarified in the near future.

The meeting also touched upon the activities of the French University in Armenia. Zhanna Andreasyan highly appreciated the activities of the University, noting happily that the number of students is increasing year by year. The Minister informed those present about the ongoing reforms in the field of higher education, stressing that the activities of the working groups operating in that direction will soon be discussed. According to Zhanna Andreasyan, this is also a good occasion to discuss issues aimed at enhancing the activities and environment of the French University.

The Rector of the University Salva Nakkosi, in turn, stated that the greatest success of the university is that graduates of the University stay in their home country and are in great demand in the labor market of the Republic of Armenia.

Ambassador Anne Louyot presented the details of the new joint training program for French teachers in Armenia, within the framework of which, according to the Ambassador, it is first necessary to carry out data mapping. The Minister emphasized the continuous development of teachers' capacities, making a reference to the results of the voluntary certification process.

The meeting also touched upon the program initiatives of the Francophonie, in particular, the issues of expanding the programs implemented in the fields of coordination of the ESCS Ministry and advancing cooperation within the framework of the International Organization of la Francophonie. In this context, the importance of the possibility of holding a meeting with the Ambassadors of Francophonie in Armenia was noted.

During the meeting, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan drew the Ambassador's attention to the problem of the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with the Republic of Armenia and the whole world, blocked by the Republic of Azerbaijan since December 12, 2022, once again emphasizing the irreversible consequences of the humanitarian crisis. The Minister thanked the French Government for its continuing support during this difficult period at various levels and forms: “This support is invaluable for us, and we hope that joint efforts will lead to an early resolution of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. I think I express the gratitude of every citizen of Armenia to every citizen of France and the Government for their unwavering support.”

Ambassador Anne Louyot, in turn, noted that France is involved and committed to continuing assistance in resolving the humanitarian crisis: “On behalf of the people and the Government of France, I convey our message of solidarity and support.”

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.