Ambassador: France is interested in independent, strong Azerbaijan

Source: AzerNews

The French embassy in Azerbaijan on July 15 hosted an official reception on the occasion of the national holiday Bastille Day, which celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789.

The reception was attended by Azerbaijani government officials, the staff of diplomatic corps accredited in Baku, lawmakers and public figures.

French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Pascal Monnier spoke about the development path of his country and noted the great progress achieved in the economy and culture.

"Our countries have relations based on mutual trust. France is interested in independent and strong Azerbaijan," Monnier said.

Highlighting the dynamic development of Azerbaijan, he expressed confidence in furthering the political and economic relations between the two countries, as well as the scientific, educational and cultural cooperation.

Monnier noted that Azerbaijan can rely on the support of France in the peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He thanked Azerbaijan for the support to France on the Iran and Syria issues.

Monnier also welcomed the humanitarian cooperation between the two countries, recalling the forthcoming opening of the French Lyceum in Baku in September.

The ambassador appreciated the contribution of Azerbaijan's First Lady, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva to the development of Azerbaijani-French relations.

Referring to the trade relations between the two countries, Monnier said the current indicators do not reflect the existing potential of the two countries. He expressed confidence that the Azerbaijan-France Chamber of Commerce will be established in the near future.

Voicing his satisfaction with the expansion of the ties between the two friendly countries, the diplomat said that mutual visits, meetings and negotiations at a high level provide favorable conditions for the development of bilateral relations.

Azerbaijan's Finance Minister Samir Sharifov conveyed congratulations and wishes of peace, tranquility and prosperity to the French people in connection with the momentous day, from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

He noted that the relations between France and Azerbaijan have deep historical roots.

Referring to the French history, Sharifov said France is an important country in the formation of European history and culture.

He said an extensive legal framework has been established for the development of the two countries' relations. So far, 42 documents have been signed.

Sharifov recalled President Aliyev's recent visit to France and his meetings in Paris. He also welcomed the professionalism of the French companies demonstrated during the orbital launching of the first Azerbaijani satellite Azerispace-1.

Sharifov said that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and France is developing successfully in all fields.