The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Stephane Sejourne, pledged to protect Armenia from "Russian pressure." The French FM voiced this promise at a press conference held in Yerevan Monday morning—and in the context of the protection of democratic European values. Declaring the shared values of Armenia and France, Sejourne expressed support for the Armenian people and government, "despite Russia's threats and apparent hostility, which is trying to exert pressure." According to him, despite this, Armenia is moving towards democracy in phases. "You can always count on our support in the defense of democratic values," Sejourne pledged, addressing Armenia, and added that France provides assistance to all countries that fight for these values. "France is always close to you. In France, there are few topics on which there is agreement between the political forces. Armenia is one of the few such topics," said the French FM.