Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s official visit to France continues. This is Sargsyan’s first visit to the Republic of France after taking the position of president, reads a press release issued by the president’s press office.

RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Hranush Hacobyan, and head of the NA Armenia-France Friendship Group, MP Ara Babloyan, as well as other officials accompanied Sargsyan during his visit.

On March 9, the first day of the visit, Sargsyan paid a visit to the Galerie Matignon in Paris and met with renowned 90-year-old French-Armenian artist Jean Jansem.

“Our people are truly proud of you and highly praise your work. Living in another country, you have become more well-known for our people, distributing the Armenian nation’s good reputation around the whole world,” said Sargsyan.

Sargsyan and Jansem then discussed issues related to preserving Armenian identity and strengthening Armenia-Diaspora ties.

“One of the reasons the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs was created was to support the preservation of Armenian identity of our compatriots living in other countries, We, as the leaders of an independent Republic of Armenia, must work to create such a country where each of our compatriots with an Armenian identity and living in another country can be proud of their Homeland,” said Sargsyan.

During Sargsyan’s official visit, he will meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Palais de l'Élysée (Elysee Palace), the French president’s official residence.