French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a letter of support to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. As reported by the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Prime Minister’s Office of the Republic of Armenia, the letter states:
“Dear Prime Minister, dear Nikol,
I was informed of your recent recovery from the coronavirus and am glad that you and your family are healthy.
Today, France, as well as Armenia, face major challenges in the health, economic and social spheres. The crisis must not force us to retreat. On the contrary, the pandemic should serve as a unique opportunity for cooperation in the fight against the epidemic and its consequences.
In this spirit, I wish to assure you of France’s solidarity and its readiness to provide support to Armenia. Through its contribution to the unprecedented material assistance of the European Union, as well as through bilateral support, France stands by your side. In the coming days, France will again send a new group of volunteer doctors to Armenia, who will replace those already present, who are helping their Armenian colleagues in the fight against Covid-19.
This crisis is also a challenge for the economies of our two countries. Thanks to the French Development Agency (AFD), already operating in Armenia, France is prepared to consider providing a state policy loan valued at 50-80 million euros, which will make it possible to partially cover the additional budget financing needs that your country faces this year. This AFD program, which aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to withstand crises, will be implemented jointly with other lending organizations, such as the World Bank. Emphasis may be placed on the health and social protection sectors, as well as on actions aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.
Hoping that our bonds of solidarity and friendship emerge strengthened from this ordeal, please accept, Mr. Prime Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration”:
