The political relationships between France and Azerbaijan are based on sincere dialogue and common interests, French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Pascal Monye, said at the reception devoted to France’s National Holiday – Bastille Day – on July 15.
“France would like to see Azerbaijan an independent, strong and democratic state,” Ambassador said.
The Ambassador emphasized the similar positions of Azerbaijan and France to the Iranian and Syrian issues.
Speaking about the Karabakh conflict, the Ambassador said “France, as the co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, will continue making efforts for its resolution.”
He said Azerbaijan and Armenia are France’s friends and referred to the recent initiative of the speaker of the French National Assembly to organize a meeting between parliamentarians of the two countries within the framework of the French-Azerbaijani and French-Armenian inter-parliamentary groups of friendship.
The Ambassador also reiterated the appeal of the countries of the OSCE MG co-chairmen at the G8 summit that the two countries’ leaders must prepare their people for peace, and not war.
The Karabakh conflict will be discussed during the forthcoming meeting between French and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers in mid-July.
Speaking about economic relationships, Monye mentioned the growing dynamics. In 2010 French exports to Azerbaijan totalled 100 million Euros. In the first 5 months of 2013 it has increased to 185 million Euros.
The session of the inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation, which will be held in Baku this autumn, will give an additional impetus towards cooperation.
The Ambassador especially emphasized cooperation in the space arena and participation of French companies in the launching of an Azerbaijani satellite.
French companies are also actively involved in the infrastructure and transport projects in Azerbaijan, including development of the Baku subway.
The French Ambassador expressed hope for prompt registration of the French-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce by the Azerbaijan Justice Ministry.
Ties in the fields of culture, education and science are being developed as well. He spoke about the opening of the French Lyceum in Baku this autumn.
Azerbaijani Finance Minister Samir Sharifov, who read out a congratulation message on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, mentioned a wide basis of the bilateral relationships, which number 42 agreements.
He said French companies take part in projects in Azerbaijan worth 1.5 billion Euros. French banks have allotted credits worth 2 billion Euros to fund projects in Azerbaijan.
The Finance Minister said that Azerbaijan is interested in further development of trade-economic relationships.—0—
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