French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna recently visited Armenia where she announced that France would provide military equipment to help the country cope with the influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. This announcement demonstrates France’s solidarity with Armenia and its commitment to supporting its efforts to ensure its security and defend its territorial integrity.
During her visit, Catherine Colonna held a press conference during which she affirmed that France had given its agreement for the conclusion of contracts which will allow the delivery of military equipment to Armenia. Although she did not specify the exact nature of this equipment, she stressed that France would act responsibly, avoiding any escalation of tensions in the region.
The French minister also asked the head of European diplomacy to strengthen the mandate of the European Union in the region and to include Armenia in the European Peace Facility. She also announced the transfer of injured people from the explosion of a fuel depot to French hospitals, thus offering humanitarian assistance to Armenia.
This visit comes in a context where tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan are still high. France and other international actors have expressed concern about a possible military offensive by Azerbaijan against Armenia.
It is worth noting that Azerbaijan has strengthened its military arsenal in recent years, supported by its oil revenues and support from Turkey. France, for its part, recalled that it remained vigilant regarding the territorial integrity of Armenia, thus underlining its continued support for the country.
In conclusion, the visit of the French Minister of Foreign Affairs to Armenia and the announcement of the supply of military equipment demonstrate France’s commitment to the security and defense of Armenia. This solidarity between the two countries is crucial in a context where the region remains unstable and where the humanitarian situation of refugees requires particular attention.