Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met with Florence Mangin, the Director of the Department of Continental Europe at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.

The two hailed the current status of relations, and emphasized that the reciprocal visits of the presidents of both countries gave further impetus to the bilateral cooperation, Azertac reported.

“Azerbaijan and France enjoy high level political dialogue,” said Florence Mangin.

She stressed that the visit of President Ilham Aliyev to France in March of this year was very productive. She also noted that French companies remain interested to work in various spheres of the economy, especially, in the fields of agriculture, energy and transport in Azerbaijan.

Citing the successful cooperation in energy field between the two countries, Mammadyarov said that there are favorable opportunities in other areas for French companies as well. The FM put an emphasis on works related to TAP project, as well as North-South and East-West corridors and prospects of these projects.

Mangin further informed that two French banks are interested to participate in financing of abovementioned projects.

Mammadyarov touched upon the current status of negotiation process on the draft strategic partnership agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the European Union. The French diplomat stated that her country supports the enhancement of the relations between Azerbaijan and EU and the signing of this agreement soon.

The Minister also highlighted the negotiation process on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and stated the importance of applying the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and inviolability of borders of states within the internationally recognized borders in a holistic manner in respect of protracted conflicts.

He added that changing the recognized borders of states by use of force is unacceptable and this is contrary to the norms and principles of international law. The FM reiterated that the current status-quo is unacceptable and unsustainable as was repeatedly declared at the level of heads of state of OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries.

Further, the political consultations have been held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and France.

The meeting was joined by Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov and Florence Mangin.

Khalafov praised political relations between the two countries and stressed the role of the reciprocal visits in further development of political dialogue. He also hailed reciprocal visits of the heads of the states of both countries and political dialogue, adding there are great potential for development of cooperation.

He provided an insight into the large-scale economic reforms carried out in Azerbaijan, progress achieved in the country in the field of diversifying the economy. The Deputy FM invited the French companies to participate in the projects implemented in Azerbaijan. He also highlighted cultural and humanitarian relations between the two countries.

Mangin, in turn, praised relations between the two countries, adding reciprocal visits of the presidents of both countries give a significant contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation.

Khalafov said France as the co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group has a great role in solving the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “The conflict is a great obstacle to the regional development.”

The Deputy FM touched upon current state of Azerbaijani-EU relations and stressed the importance of sustainability and long-lasting of these ties.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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