French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during his visit to Yerevan, emphasized that signing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a crucial step.

“It is very important that the peace agreement be signed. A few weeks ago, tensions escalated—we urged restraint, because being so close to peace, it would be tragic if violence once again undermined it,” Barrot said, as reported by Aysor.am .

Addressing the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Barrot stated that France is resisting what he termed “Putinization”—the redrawing of European borders by force.

“We are not at war with Russia or the Russian people. But we are resisting the 'Putinization' of Europe, which means opposing the use of force to redraw borders on the continent. We do this by supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Barrot affirmed France’s continued support for Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and for Armenia as a whole.

“When I speak of France, I also refer to the members of Parliament—seven of whom are with me here—because parliamentary diplomacy is also vital in bilateral relations. French civil society is mobilized in support of Armenia. I have come again to reaffirm France’s support, which, as President Macron has envisioned, must be stable, comprehensive, and unwavering,” Barrot said, according to Armenpress.

He added that France supports the difficult negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have already led to agreement on the peace treaty text.

“I want to highlight Prime Minister Pashinyan’s courage. Now is the time to sign and ratify the agreement. That is the message from France, the U.S., and all of Europe—supporting Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Barrot concluded.

Jean-Noël Barrot is in Armenia on an official visit and will also attend the Yerevan Dialogue conference.