French President Emmanuel Macron visited Yerevan on Monday, declaring that Armenia has chosen a path towards Europe. During his visit, Macron proclaimed a vision of a Europe that extends from Iceland to the Caucasus, highlighting the country's gradual shift away from Russian influence and its decision to break free from long-standing ties.
Speaking to the French community in the capital, Macron noted that for decades Armenia had been seen as a satellite of Russia. He accused Russia of abandoning Armenia following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, which resulted in Azerbaijan displacing tens of thousands of Armenians.
The visit coincided with the first European Union summit hosted in Yerevan on Tuesday, marking a deepening of ties that has been years in the making. These regional summits focused on security and cooperation with the EU.
Macron also made a pre-election pitch for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who faces a stiff challenge from pro-Russia parties in a vote scheduled for next month. The French president was greeted with adulation during his visit, strolling through avenues to the sound of La Marseillaise and songs by Aznavour, and receiving a medal.