French President Emmanuel today visited Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city, and paid tribute to the thousands of victims of the 1988 earthquake that shook Shirak and neighboring provinces.

“We know all the difficulties that you have gone through in recent years. As long as Gyumri is here, Armenia is moving forward in peace, stability, alongside Europe. And just as we were with you in December 1988, we will be with you now. Thank you Gyumri, thank you Armenia. And never forget that France loves you. Long live Armenia, long live France and long live Gyumri,” Macron said according to a government press release.

Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan escorted Macron on his trip to Gyumri.

Macron and his Armenian hosts attended a concert entitled “Musical Bridge: Armenia-France” in Gyumri’s Vardanants Square.