Yerevan Mayor Hrachya Sarsgyan (photo-center) today, in Marseille’s public Parc Borély, attended a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Yerevan-Marseille Friendship and Cooperation Agreement.

"It is a great honor for me to be with our friends on this day and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our successful cooperation. From the very beginning of the establishment of bilateral relations, we have implemented many joint projects, including within the framework of European programs, for the benefit of the residents of our two friendly cities,” Sargsyan remarked according to a statement released by his office.

“Marseilles was the first French city to receive our compatriots who escaped the Armenian Genocide, becoming a second homeland for them," said Sargsyan.

Marseilles Deputy Mayor Yanik Oanisian stressed that strengthening ties with Armenia is of special importance for local Armenians, expressing confidence that the cooperation will include new directions in the coming year.

"Together with the mayor, we often raise all the issues related to Armenia, especially to Yerevan. This approach and perception already reflect how much we are pursuing the development of bilateral relations and how much Yerevan is in our hearts,” Oanisian said.