Yesterday, President Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of France's new ambassador to our country, Sophie Lagoutte.
Ilham Aliyev recalled his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Copenhagen and emphasized that as a result of that meeting, issues causing misunderstanding between our countries were left in the past.
Emphasizing the start of a new era in the bilateral agenda, the head of our state first touched upon the importance of restoring and developing contacts between people and business representatives, as well as cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields.
The head of state's messages are regarded as a sign of a new period beginning in relations between the two countries.
It should be recalled that currently, the Azerbaijan-France and France-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary working groups are not active.
In a statement to Modern.az, Milli Majlis deputy Kamran Bayramov stated that starting certain contacts with France is a positive development:
“In the last 2-3 years, France's biased stance against Azerbaijan had a very significant negative impact on bilateral relations. This was related to France's attempts to interfere in negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as its arming of Armenia. France conducted a biased campaign against Azerbaijan in many international organizations. Naturally, Azerbaijan took proportionate measures against France and issued statements. And the foreign policy line was continued in this manner. Despite this, Azerbaijan always leaves room for political dialogue with any state in bilateral relations, never completely closing the door. We can say this also regarding relations with France. It should also be noted that the current level of Azerbaijan-France relations is precisely due to French President Emmanuel Macron and his foreign policy. However, the reception of France's new ambassador, Sophie Lagoutte, by Mr. President gives reason to say that the period of cold relations is passing.”
The deputy believes that contacts with France will be established at both government and parliamentary levels:
“These relations, as Mr. President also stated, should primarily begin with the establishment of contacts between people and business representatives, and the restoration and expansion of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian spheres. It is known that the friendship groups of both countries' parliaments have ceased their activities. I believe that in the next stage, we can also talk about the restoration of contacts at the deputy level. Currently, as Mr. President noted during his reception of the French ambassador, the establishment of relations between people and business circles is most likely the top priority. After this meeting, I believe that there will be a certain warming in relations. Certain ties will also be restored. This will again depend on France. If France understands that it is not possible to speak with Azerbaijan in a language of threat and dictation, and if it prefers relations based on equality and respect with us, then, naturally, Azerbaijan will also give due value to these relations. And this will contribute to cooperation, to mutual cooperation.”
K. Bayramov emphasized that strengthening political relations is necessary for certain progress and development in other areas as well:
“Historically, we have had good, normal relations with France. We have had very normal relations in the areas of political dialogue and strengthening economic ties. The same can be said for cultural and humanitarian fields. As is known, certain projects have been implemented in France, particularly by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. I believe that the current warming will serve to expand and deepen both our political and economic ties. Naturally, political relations are established with any state. And these political relations should primarily rely on economic relations. French companies operate in Azerbaijan and implement projects. I believe that the strengthening and consolidation of relations in the political sphere will, of course, have a positive impact on all other areas. In particular, we will see its positive impact on cultural, humanitarian, economic, tourism, industrial, trade, and other sectors. The main leitmotif of establishing relations is the expansion of economic relations. There can be advancements in both oil and gas, and energy sectors. But naturally, conditions must be created and strengthened in the direction of interstate political relations for there to be certain progress and development in other areas as well.”
