President Ilham Aliyev and French President Francois Hollande had dinner together - UPDATE - PHOTOS

After the completion of the Azerbaijani-French business forum, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his wife Mehriban Aliyeva and President of the French Republic Francois Hollande had dinner together.

The renowned French theatre and cinema actor of Azerbaijani descent and art director of the Marini theatre of Paris, Robert Hossein, said in remarks at the dinner reception:

- I am overjoyed and proud to note that I am a son of this country. If I may say so, I personify the great friendship between our two countries both of which are my motherlands. I was born in the beloved country of France. But I at the same time, I am a son of the country which I envy – Azerbaijan. Both countries have achieved development. In comparison with other countries, women in both of these republics occupy an increasingly important place in society and are on an equal footing with men. The President of the French Republic will probably know that synagogues, mosques and Orthodox churches coexist in this capital city of Baku side by side and have no problems.

Robert Hossein said that his grandfather was born in Azerbaijan and his father in Samarkand. He noted that while living in France they made an invaluable contribution to world culture and art. Their works are now shown on various stages, while this tradition is continued today by the son of Robert Hossein – Pierre.

Meeting with the heads of state after the ceremony, Pierre Hossein played the Azerbaijani tar.
President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva said goodbye to French President Francois Hollande.

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12.05.2014
23:18
The Azerbaijani-French Business Forum has been held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the French Republic Francois Hollande took part in the business forum.

The heads of state made speeches at the forum.

In conclusion, government and business entities of Azerbaijan and France signed different cooperation documents.

/AzerTAc/

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15:48
The relations between Azerbaijan and France will develop progressively in the future, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev said while speaking at the Azerbaijani-French business forum with participation of French President Francois Hollande.

The forum was held in Baku today, on May 12.

President Aliyev went on to add that political and economic relations between the two countries will be stronger, adding that the negotiations held between the two countries, exchange of views, as well as sincere conversations help to increase the confidence.

"Undoubtedly, the French president's official visit to Azerbaijan is a very momentous event in the bilateral relations. This visit will give a very strong impetus to the development of relations," the Azerbaijani president said.

President Aliyev went on to add that the business people of Azerbaijan and France hold talks, negotiations and exchange of views within the business forum.

"And of course, the joint activity of the business structures and the development of trade relations will give a strong support to the overall development of our relations," President Aliyev said.

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Azerbaijan closely cooperates with France in the energy security area, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said Monday, May 12.

President Aliyev made the remarks in Baku at a press conference with the French President Francois Hollande.

The relations between Azerbaijan and France will develop progressively in the future, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev said while speaking at the Azerbaijani-French business forum with participation of French President Francois Hollande.

The forum was held in Baku today, on May 12.

President Aliyev went on to add that political and economic relations between the two countries will be stronger, adding that the negotiations held between the two countries, exchange of views, as well as sincere conversations help to increase the confidence.

"Undoubtedly, the French president's official visit to Azerbaijan is a very momentous event in the bilateral relations. This visit will give a very strong impetus to the development of relations," the Azerbaijani president said.

President Aliyev went on to add that the business people of Azerbaijan and France hold talks, negotiations and exchange of views within the business forum.

"And of course, the joint activity of the business structures and the development of trade relations will give a strong support to the overall development of our relations," President Aliyev said.

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"Azerbaijan makes efforts to support Europe's energy security. The documents signed late last year will help to deliver Azerbaijan's gas to Europe and I am sure our relations with Europe will be even closer after realization of this project," President Aliyev stressed.
The president also said the Shah Deniz, Trans-Anatolia and Trans-Adriatic projects are Europe's biggest infrastructure projects, adding that the investments intended to be made stand at the level of about $45 billion.

"All parties - Azerbaijan, transit countries and European consumers will only benefit from the realization of this project. Because, this project meets the interests of all parties," Azerbaijani president said.

The president went on to add that Azerbaijan retains its leader position in the Caspian Sea region in the delivery of energy resources to the world markets as well as to Europe and of course, the energy security has become the matter of national security for each country.

"Azerbaijan's rich oil and gas recourses, the existing transport infrastructure and the one that is being created have greatly changed Europe's energy map," President Aliyev underscored.

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15:02
Economic ties with Europe are in the focus, because the European countries are Azerbaijan's major trading partners, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in Baku on May 12.

President Aliyev made the remarks at a joint press conference with his French counterpart Francois Hollande, answering a journalist's question about whether the Ukrainian crisis will affect Azerbaijan's moving closer to the EU.

He went on to add that, naturally, Azerbaijan's initiatives, regarding the energy security, are supported by the European structures, and a very fruitful and great cooperation has been established.

President Aliyev stressed that no one from outside can affect the steps taken by Azerbaijan in domestic and foreign policies.

"Azerbaijan is an independent state - the independence is above anything else for it, and the country is very effectively using the opportunities granted by the independence. We carry out reforms in the economic and political areas, and the political transformations are as significant for us as the economic ones," President Aliyev stressed.

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The documents signed between Azerbaijan and France today determine the future cooperation between the two countries in many areas, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at a joint press conference with French counterpart Francois Hollande in Baku on May 12.

He stressed that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to this visit. He expressed confidence that it will play a positive role in the development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and France and this friendship will continue.

President Aliyev stressed that of course, a joint statement has a special place among these documents.

"The reason is that this document describes the basic features of our future political ties," the president said.

"Our political relations are at a high level. The French president's official visit to Azerbaijan once again confirms this. I have repeatedly been in France and regularly conducted the consultations. Of course, negotiations, consultations on many international issues further strengthen our political relations."


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France makes efforts for the existing conflicts to be solved through negotiations, French President Francois Hollande said.

President Hollande made the remarks in Baku on Monday, May 12 at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"You are already aware of the position of France and Europe - Europe and France always greatly assess and support Azerbaijan's territorial integrity," President Hollande said. "We make efforts for the existing conflicts to be solved through negotiations. This is also the main goal of our visit to the Caucasus."

French president also said he will visit Armenia tonight.

"Why? Because, 20 years passes since the date when the ceasefire agreement on the Karabakh conflict was signed and entered into force. Great steps have not yet been achieved throughout this period," President Hollande stressed.

"As an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair France also has a great responsibility. We also should take certain efforts for the settlement of this conflict, as well as restoration of confidence."

Francois Hollande stressed that these talks will also continue in Armenia in the second half of the day.

France always makes efforts to settle this conflict, he added.

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The human rights protection is a topic of interest for the French people, the President of France, Francois Hollande said Monday, May 12 in Baku.

President Hollande made the remarks at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, answering a question regarding the interrogation of human rights activist Leyla Yunus and the detention of journalist Rauf Mirkadirov.

"I have always touched upon the human rights protection issue, as France and the French people have always been interested in this matter," President Hollande stressed.

President Aliyev in turn said the human rights situation in Azerbaijan is positive, all fundamental freedoms, freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, freedom of the press and freedom of assembly are secured.

"No one is persecuted in Azerbaijan for their political views. There is a free internet in the country, there are no restrictions, and 70 percent of the population use the internet," Azerbaijani president stressed. "That is, political transformations are very important for us, because we are improving our country. We are building a modern, strong Azerbaijan. We always hold discussions on these issues with France - a country having such great democratic traditions"

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11:27
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and French President Francois Hollande had an expanded meeting with the participation of delegations on May 12, following the one-on-one meeting between.

Ilham Aliyev and Francois Hollande made speeches at the meeting.

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A one-on-one meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and French President Francois Hollande was held on May 12 following the official welcoming ceremony.

Holland arrived in Azerbaijan with an official visit on May 11.

During the meeting it was stressed that Azerbaijan-France bilateral relations are successfully developing in such areas as politics, economy, energy industry, transportation and others.

It was also noted that the French president's official visit to Azerbaijan is significant in terms of expansion of bilateral ties between the two countries.

The parties also expressed confidence that the relations between the two countries will continue to further develop.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on issues of bilateral, international and mutual interest.

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French President Francois Hollande, who arrived on an official visit to Azerbaijan, was officially welcomed in the country on May 12.

A guard of honor was lined up for the distinguished guest on the square, decorated with the national flags of Azerbaijan and France.

The head of the honor guard reported to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Azerbaijani president met French President Francois Hollande.

The head of the honor guard reported to the French president.

The national anthems of France and Azerbaijan were also performed.

The heads of two states reviewed the honor guard, and the French president welcomed Azerbaijani soldiers.

Representatives of Azerbaijani state and government were introduced to the President Francois Hollande, and the members of the French delegation were introduced to the President Ilham Aliyev.

The guard of honor passed before the heads of two states accompanied by a military march.

The presidents also posed for official photos.

/Trend/

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09:35
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the French Republic Francois Hollande went on a walkabout in the “Icherisheher” state historical and architectural reserve.

The President of France was informed about “Icherisheher” – the historical and cultural reserve of Azerbaijan. It was noted that the Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shirvanshahs, both located in the “Icherisheher” state historical and architectural reserve and considered a living legend of our history, have been included in the UNESCO World List of Cultural Heritage.

It was brought to the attention of President Francois Hollande that many valuable specimens of material culture relating to the history of Azerbaijan were unearthed during archaeological excavations conducted on the territory of “Icherisheher”. These findings, which are now the most valuable artefacts of Azerbaijani museums, open up great opportunities for exploring the ancient periods of our history. The visitors to Baku are always interested in coming to “Icherisheher”. The unique atmosphere reigning here contributes a great deal to public interest in this culture center.

Then, the Presidents visited the Mugham Club.

The French President was informed about the history of the Club.

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After reviewing “Icherisheher”, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his wife Mehriban Aliyeva and French President Francois Hollande had dinner together.

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11.04.2014
21:52
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his wife Mehriban Aliyeva and President of the French Republic Francois Hollande, who is paying an official visit to Azerbaijan, have reviewed the French Lyceum of Baku.

The heads of state were informed about the work carried out at the lyceum.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and French President Francois Hollande addressed the ceremony.

Then the Presidents planted a tree outside the lyceum.

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French President Francois Hollande has embarked on an official visit to Azerbaijan.

A ceremonial guard of honor was lined up for the French leader as he touched down at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

He was welcomed by first deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov and other officials.

/AzerTAc/