French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. (Photo: France 24)

Colonna travelled to Armenia after Azerbaijani forces last month swept through the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh and secured the surrender of Armenian separatist forces that had controlled the mountainous region for decades.

Colonna said France has a particular interest in Armenia's territorial integrity and is exploring specific measures to enhance bilateral cooperation in security and defense, adding that the French Government has agreed to sign future contracts with Armenia, enabling the transfer of military equipment to strengthen Armenia's defense capabilities.

She stressed that this action will not escalate tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

She said France has urged the European Commissioner for Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Josep Borrell, to bolster the presence and capacity of the European Union in Nagorno-Karabakh. This measure would also facilitate financial support to Armenia through the European Peace Fund.

Prior to Ms. Colonna's visit, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a statement announcing the allocation of an additional 7 million euros in humanitarian aid to Armenia. This brings the total funding provided to Armenia this year to 12.5 million euros.