Bastille Day Celebrated in Yerevan with Strong French-Armenian Solidarity
Yerevan, July 14 – The French Embassy in the Republic of Armenia hosted a grand celebration yesterday evening to mark France’s National Day, Bastille Day. The event underscored the robust and enduring partnership between France and Armenia, with French Ambassador Olivier Decottignies reiterating France’s unconditional, full, and constant support for Armenia.
The solemn ceremony was attended by a distinguished array of officials, including French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, heads of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia, and numerous other dignitaries. The celebration also served as a moment of remembrance for the tenth anniversary of the bloody attack by ISIS in Nice on July 14, 2016.
A Bond Forged in History and Shared Values
In his address, Ambassador Decottignies emphasized the historical significance of Bastille Day, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. He highlighted that the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, embodied by the revolution, are universal aspirations and fragile achievements of all democracies, principles well understood by the Armenian people.
“The Armenian Republic is a sister Republic to us French,” stated Ambassador Decottignies, acknowledging Armenia’s resilience as a nation that survived genocide, shed imperial rule, and strengthened its democracy through the will of its people. He remarked that this makes Armenia a treasure for the world and a beacon of hope for the region.
The Ambassador further elaborated on the deep historical ties between France and Armenia, recalling instances of mutual support, such as French Admiral Dartige’s sailors rescuing Armenian fighters from the Musa Dagh resistance during the 1915 Genocide, and Armenians joining the Resistance or Free France during the occupation to help restore France’s honor and freedom. “Therefore, when Armenia, abandoned by its historical ally and facing the threat of losing its sovereignty and territorial integrity, turned to France, France responded,” Decottignies asserted, noting that many countries chose to turn a blind eye, but not France.
Unwavering Support and Strategic Partnership
Ambassador Decottignies reiterated that France’s support for Armenia is “unconditional, full, and constant,” quoting the French President. He stressed that since the devastating earthquake of 1988, France’s solidarity with Armenia has never been as active or tangible. He also highlighted the growing military cooperation between Yerevan and Paris, noting that France is the first Western country to establish defense cooperation with Armenia. “France provides training, equipment, and advice to the Armenian armed forces,” he said, referring to the defensive equipment provided by France that was showcased during the May 28 military parade in Yerevan, and the joint exercises involving French, Armenian, American, and Greek soldiers in Armenia.
The Ambassador also pointed to the increasing presence of French companies in Armenia, operating in crucial sectors such as water management, agriculture, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, signifying the robust economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations. He declared that bilateral relations have entered a new phase, forming the essence of the strategic partnership forged in Yerevan by the French President and Prime Minister Pashinyan.
This partnership, he explained, forms the basis for future cooperation across diplomatic, military, business, cultural, research, educational, and civil society sectors. France remains committed to strengthening Armenia’s security, establishing peace, and restoring the country’s role as a crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. France also supports the immense potential of the Armenian economy, the diversification of exports, and significant events to be held in Armenia, such as the COP17 conference on biodiversity and the Francophonie Games, as well as Armenia’s European aspirations.
Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Emphasizes Shared Values
Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, in his congratulatory remarks on France’s National Day, acknowledged that the French Revolution, over two centuries ago, bequeathed universal values of liberty, equality, and fraternity to humanity. “These continue to inspire nations to defend their sovereignty and build just and dignified societies,” he stated, affirming that Armenia shares these principles and views them as crucial guidelines for its state development.
Grigoryan expressed gratitude for France’s consistent friendship and solidarity, highlighting President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Armenia in May as a historical event that demonstrated the widespread warm reception from the Armenian people. He noted that during the visit, a joint declaration on strategic partnership was signed, outlining new horizons for long-term cooperation. “We also emphasize France’s support for Armenia’s rapprochement with the European Union,” Grigoryan added, expressing the sincere wish for France’s continued progress and prosperity, and for the Armenian-French partnership to strengthen year by year for the welfare of both peoples.
Ambassador Decottignies concluded by announcing that this Bastille Day marks his last in Armenia after a three-year mission. He reflected on his experiences, living through both joyful and challenging times with the Armenian people, traveling their roads, witnessing their borders, and observing the scars of history alongside their hopes for the future. He expressed admiration for their ability to confront death and celebrate life, and for the warmth, generosity, and kindness he encountered everywhere, as well as the sincere friendship towards France.
Source: https://pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/07/14/696857/1974900
