French President Emanuel Macron has sent a letter of support to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The letter states:

“Mr. Prime Minister, dear Nicole,

I recently learned about your recovery from the coronavirus and I’m glad you and your family are healthy.

Today, France, as well as Armenia, faces major health, economic and social challenges. The crisis should not force us to back down. On the contrary, the epidemic should be a unique opportunity to work together to fight the epidemic and its aftermath.

In this spirit, I would like to assure you of France’s solidarity and its readiness to provide concrete assistance to Armenia. At the same time, with its contribution to the unprecedented financial support of the European Union, France is by your side with bilateral support. In the coming days, France will again send a new team of volunteer doctors to Armenia, who will replace those who are already helping their Armenian counterparts 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 (FDA), which is already operating in Armenia, France is ready to consider providing a 50-80 million euro government policy loan, which will provide an opportunity to partially meet the additional budget financing needs that your country is facing this year. The FDA program, which aims to strengthen the country’s ability to cope with crises, will be implemented jointly with other lending organizations, such as the World Bank. Emphasis can be placed on health and social protection, as well as measures to limit the effects of climate change.

Expressing hope that the ties of our solidarity and friendship will be strengthened by this ordeal, please accept, Mr. Prime Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration.”