The initiatives of cultural centers between Armenia and France, including collaborative exhibitions and festivals, clearly demonstrate that culture serves as a vital component of the dialogue between the two nations. Furthermore, libraries, as bastions of knowledge and culture, have embraced the important role of enhancing this dialogue. The collections of the National Library encompass a wealth of valuable documents, books, and manuscripts, serving as a testament to the enduring cultural connections between Armenia and France. On April 28, the international conference “France-Armenia. Historical and Cultural Dialogue” kicked off in the Tamanyan Great Hall of the Armenian National Library.

After the welcoming speech of the library director Anna Chulyan, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Armenia Zhanna Andreasyan made a speech. Olivier Decotigny, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia spoke about the importance of organizing the conference and welcomed the attendees. "Today, national libraries serve as cultural linkages, strengthening international relations. The future of Armenian-French library collaboration holds intriguing prospects for the conservation and sharing of cultural heritage as the world grows more interconnected, underscoring the significance for both countries and their influence on international cultural diplomacy," Anna Chulyan said. In her introductory remarks, Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, pointed out that the historical, political, and cultural ties between Armenia and France are unique.

"Armenian-French cooperation today spans a wide range of fields, including politics, research, education, culture, and business. Notably, the conference marks the end of Armenia's biennial Francophonie and is hosted at the National Library of Armenia. Libraries and scientific institutions have always been important platforms for cultural dialogue. We look forward to meaningful discussions and valuable reports that will deepen the scientific study of Armenian-French relations and promote the strengthening of friendship between our peoples,” the minister added.

Gilles Pecoud, President of the National Library of France, also welcomed the attendees and touched upon French-Armenian relations and the history of the “Armenophile” Movement, then presented the diversity of the Armenian collections of the National Library of France and their significance in bilateral cooperation. Gilles Pecoud also presented the prospects for cultural heritage and scientific cooperation between the National Library of France and Armenian institutions. 350 manuscripts, 400 Armenian printed works from the 16th and 18th centuries, a collection of monographs and magazines, as well as old maps, pictures, and medieval and antique coins, make up the rich and varied Armenian heritage of the National Library of France. "Over 1,000 Armenian volumes are preserved in the National Library of France," the speaker continued.

During the two-day conference, an exhibition of books by Armenian publishing houses (Antares Media Holding, Newmag, Ankyunacar, Edit Print, Nahapet, Actual Art Publishing Houses, and Filmadaran Film Culture Development NGO) was held in a exhibition hall, where publications dedicated to Armenian-French relations, translations of French literature, etc. were presented. The solemn closing of the conference took place at the National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after A. Spendiaryan.