On July 9, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received a delegation from the French Senate, led by Senator Serge Lagauche, who are members of the France-Armenia Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group. Senator Lagauche serves as President of the Friendship Group.

Welcoming the first visit of Senator Lagauche to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Pontiff of All Armenians reflected on the close and warm relations between the two nations. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the French authorities for their careful attention towards the Armenian community, which he witnessed during his Pontifical visit to France.

During the meeting His Holiness discussed the current high levels of cooperation between the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the French authorities, citing the recent example of the Etchmiadzin Dental Clinic for Children, which is sponsored by the "Bardzunk 5165" French-Armenian charitable organization.

At the conclusion of his remarks the Pontiff of All Armenians wished much success in the strengthening of friendship between Armenia and France.

Senator Lagauche expressed his appreciation to His Holiness for the reception, conveying the best wishes of the delegation members to the Armenian Pontiff. The Senator also reflected on the devotion of the Armenian nation to the Armenian Church which he stated was evident in the Armenian Community of France.

During the meeting they also reflected on the importance of the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide to prevent future atrocities against mankind. They also discussed the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Kharabagh Conflict and the importance of the participation of France in the OSCE Minsk Group.