As part of her working visit to the Republic of France, RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan had a meeting with Éléonore Caroit, Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, responsible for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad.
The meeting was also attended by RA ESCS Deputy Minister Arthur Martirosyan and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to France Arman Khachatryan.
ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan expressed her gratitude for the warm reception, emphasizing that the meeting provides an important opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership between Armenia and France, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and Francophonie.
The sides underscored the significance of the memoranda signed during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Armenia, highlighting their role in advancing bilateral relations and paving the way for the implementation of new joint initiatives.
The discussion also addressed the 10th International Cultural and Sports Games of La Francophonie, to be held in Yerevan in 2027, which was viewed as a significant opportunity to enhance Armenia's international profile, promote youth engagement, and strengthen cooperation within the Francophonie. Éléonore Caroit reaffirmed France's willingness to support Armenia in the organization of the Games.
Minister Zhanna Andreasyan and her counterpart also discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting the teaching and dissemination of the French language in Armenia. The Minister noted that nearly 60,000 students in approximately 250 schools across the country are currently studying French. In this context, particular emphasis was placed on the role of the Anatole France French Educational Complex in Yerevan as a key centre for French-language education and the promotion of Francophone culture in Armenia.
A reference was also made to the cooperation in higher education and the training of Francophone professionals, highlighting the important role of the French University in Armenia (UFAR). The significance of expanding double-degree programs and joint academic initiatives between Armenian and French higher education institutions was highlighted.
Within the framework of higher education reforms, Zhanna Andreasyan presented the progress of the “Academic City” project. In this regard, the parties discussed the potential involvement of French universities and research institutions in the initiative, including prospects for establishing joint research centers, laboratories, and innovation platforms.
As part of the education reform agenda, the ESCS Minister also presented Armenia's initiatives to integrate artificial intelligence into educational institutions, outlining the progress achieved and the positive outcomes recorded so far.
During the meeting, the parties also exchanged views on various other issues related to Armenia–France bilateral cooperation.