French President Emmanuel Macron said France supported Armenia because it was the right thing to do, speaking at a state dinner in Paris.
A state dinner was hosted at the presidential residence in honor of Emmanuel Macron on behalf of Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during which both delivered toasts.
Macron said France stood by Armenia “because it was just.”
Recalling the autumn of 2022, he noted that only two years had passed since the war began, the situation remained unstable, and Pashinyan “demonstrated great courage” in making decisions for his country.
He stressed that France acted out of duty, even though its unconditional support raised questions among some European partners. According to Macron, he was largely excluded from subsequent negotiations until the conflict was settled with President Ilham Aliyev.
“Now the situation has stabilized. But we stood by you because it was just. Historically, your country’s struggle has been just—against genocide, invasions, and threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Our vision of peace is to stand with such just causes, even when it does not align with immediate interests, and when others prioritize economic calculations or strategic gains.
It is France’s honor to support those who remain true to themselves and to stand alongside a people defending justice.
Our shared history runs deep. Many present here have personal or family ties to our countries. Some migrated generations ago, others discovered Armenia and came to love it.
French intellectuals supported Armenia even without visiting it, as they could not accept its fate of shifting between empires. The French navy came not only to observe but to help, seeing this as a just cause. Many Armenians later fought for France, and we honored Missak Manouchian and Meliné at the Pantheon as symbols of Armenian contribution,” Macron said.
He added that this defines the bond between the two nations.
“The strategic partnership agreement to be signed tomorrow reflects years of joint efforts and marks an unprecedented level of relations. It will expand economic cooperation and strengthen educational, linguistic, and cultural ties.
For us, what you call Real Armenia is inseparable from the Armenia people dream of. You have chosen a European, peaceful, and prosperous future. That is the Armenia we fully embrace.
Never forget that in the west of Europe there are people who care deeply about your country and will always stand by you. This is the European future you have chosen,” Macron said.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that Macron’s role at this stage of Armenia’s development has been decisive. Armenia, he said, has shifted from a survival agenda to a development strategy based on the concept of Real Armenia.
He highlighted the quadrilateral meeting in Prague on October 6, 2022, as a key turning point, noting Macron’s exceptional determination.
“What I saw that day—such conviction and dedication—I have not encountered elsewhere,” Pashinyan said, adding that the outcomes became foundational for Armenia’s current course.
“When it seemed Armenia had no support, we felt President Macron’s support through concrete actions and decisions,” he noted.
Pashinyan added that Macron’s responses on issues concerning Armenia’s state interests have consistently been prompt and practical.
He also said the high state award granted to Macron reflects appreciation for his contribution to Armenia.
Before the dinner, a state awards ceremony took place. By decree of the Armenian President, Emmanuel Macron was awarded the Order of Glory for strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
By decision of the French President, Vahagn Khachaturyan and Nikol Pashinyan were awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest distinction established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
