France and Armenia are set to strengthen cooperation in defence, technology and the economy during a state visit by President Emmanuel Macron, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister has confirmed.
On 5 May, Macron and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will meet to sign a strategic partnership agreement covering a range of sectors. Additional agreements on education, military-technical cooperation, and artificial intelligence are also expected to be finalised.
Speaking to AnewZ, Vakhtang Maisaia, professor and head of the MA programme in Global Politics and Security Studies at Caucasus International University, described the visit as “very significant”, both politically and regionally.
“It means that France attaches great importance to the region,” he said, adding that the timing also reflects “steady support” for Armenia ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
Macron’s visit is seen by many as a show of diplomatic backing for Pashinyan, who faces mounting domestic pressure over high unemployment and inflation.
Nearly four in ten Armenians surveyed earlier this month by the International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in Survey Research said they were undecided or unwilling to disclose their voting preference, while Pashinyan’s Civic Contract party leads with 28%.
Maisaia noted that the visit comes at a sensitive political moment for Armenia.
“Pashinyan may face problems ahead of the elections due to internal turbulence and pressure from Russia,” he said, adding that the trip signals Armenia’s continued shift towards closer ties with Europe.
“It indicates Armenia is steadily moving towards European Union integration,” he said, pointing to France’s role as a leading EU member supporting that trajectory.
The visit will also take place against the backdrop of the first-ever EU-Armenia summit, expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in energy, security, connectivity and economic development in the South Caucasus. Macron is expected to attend.
Maisaia said the planned Strategic Partnership Agreement could have practical implications for Armenia’s defence reforms.
“It could mean that Armenia’s defence reforms will be based more on European standards and experience,” he said.
“This cooperation is likely to strengthen civilian control over the armed forces and contribute to regional security.”
He added that the partnership would focus on defensive, rather than offensive, military capabilities and could support Armenia’s participation in international peacekeeping efforts.
Beyond defence, the agreement is also expected to expand technological cooperation.
“It will help develop technological ties between France and Armenia,” Maisaia said, adding that the broader aim is to deepen European engagement across the South Caucasus.
In 2025, Macron was a key advocate of a draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan aimed at ending a near four-decade conflict.
Addressing concerns previously raised by Baku over France’s support for Armenia, Maisaia said the issue of Garabagh was no longer central.
“The Garabagh problem is no longer a real issue,” he said, adding that enhanced cooperation between Armenia and Europe should not be seen as a threat to regional stability.
“I think this is a positive development that could further encourage peaceful relations in the region,” he added.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would...
Deep in the ancient forests of southern China, researchers have discovered a small, shy snake with an extraordinar...
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringin...
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Anim...
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Was...
Türkiye and Armenia’s decision to allow direct trade marks one of the clearest signs yet of a gradual shift in relations between the long-time rivals, although analysts say the immediate economic impact is likely to remain modest.
Türkiye has completed formal preparations to begin direct commercial activity with Armenia, a Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday, marking another step in the slow but steady normalisation of ties between the two neighbours.
Exclusive flight-tracking material obtained by AnewZ has raised new questions about French military aircraft movements linked to President Emmanuel Macron’s recent diplomacy with Armenia and the wider scope of France’s defence cooperation with Yerevan.
Fuel exports from Azerbaijan to Armenia are continuing, with eight rail wagons carrying 479 tonnes of diesel fuel dispatched as part of the latest shipment between the two South Caucasus neighbours.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran loomed over U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, as signs emerged that the conflict is causing a shift in alliances across the Middle East.
Thousands of fans turned out in Iran's capital Tehran for a massive farewell ceremony on Wednesday night for their national football team, wishing them success before their departure for the World Cup 2026 matches co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was fighting for his political survival on Thursday (14 May) after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned, saying he had “lost confidence” in Starmer’s leadership.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump are holding high-level talks in Beijing on Thursday, following a ceremonial welcome, with both leaders highlighting cooperation despite ongoing tensions.
Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
Leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) gathered in the Kazakh city of Turkistan for an informal summit focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, transport, energy and regional connectivity as the bloc seeks to expand its geopolitical and economic influence across Eurasia.
Georgia is positioning itself as a future energy bridge between the Caspian and Europe, backed by major infrastructure plans and growing EU support. But behind the ambitious pitch lies a far more complicated political reality.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment