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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan proposed the participants of the 17th Francophonie summit to applaud and salute the eternal presence of world-famous French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour, who passed away on 1 October at the age of 94. 

“That great person, the ambassador of French language who was 100% French, and at the same time 100% Armenian as he himself used to put it, would love to be next to us today to express his dedication to his two beloved countries – France and Armenia – and to celebrate the Francophone holiday to which he served his entire life,” the PM said in his opening remarks.  

He stressed the masterpieces of Aznavour’s French chanson will long stay in memory of all.

“We grieve because we love. A vigorous defender of Armenia and the ambassador of our country in international organizations, he has kept Armenia’s image high worldwide; we will be grateful to him for it forever. He left us, but is present in our thoughts today,” he said.  

“Instead of observing a moment of silence to honor his memory, I am asking you to welcome Charles Aznavour’s eternal presence with warm applauses,” the PM said.

Armenia is hosting the XVII Summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) on 11 and 12 October. 

The event has brought together delegations from 84 countries, including leaders of 38 states.

The general theme of La Francophonie summit is “Living together in solidarity, shared humanistic values, and respect for diversity: a source of peace and prosperity in La Francophonie”, while the logotype of the summit is pomegranate as a symbol of peace and prosperity throughout the francophone area.