27 April 2023 17:12
On 27 April 2023, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov received the delegation led by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Catherine Colonna within the framework of her visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister Catherine Colonna held a tête-à-tête meeting, which later continued in an expanded format with the participation of the delegations of both sides.
At the meeting in an expanded format, issues on the existing cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and France, the current state of relations, including developments taking place in the region, were discussed.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, recalling the implementation of joint projects between the two countries in the fields of economy, energy security, transport, culture, education, humanitarian and other areas in the years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and France, noted that there are opportunities to continue the experience of effective cooperation between our countries. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that mutual contacts and political dialogue are important for discussing the current state of relations between the two countries and for assessing prospects and opportunities towards eliminating misunderstandings.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, providing the other side with detailed information about the current regional situation and realities in the post-conflict period, the efforts made by Azerbaijan towards the normalization of relations with Armenia, the signing of a peace treaty, and the opening of transport and communications in the region, stated that Armenia demonstrates a continued non-constructive approach, commits military-political provocations, evades its obligations, and abuses the Lachin road contrary to the provisions of the Trilateral Statement to continue the military and mine threat. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that, despite the existing challenges and difficulties, Azerbaijan will continue its efforts towards the establishment of peace and security in the region. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, referring to France’s participation in the negotiation process towards resolving the former conflict, emphasized that the position demonstrated by France in the post-conflict period does not contribute to the peace process.
Minister Catherine Colonna, speaking about the history of relations between Azerbaijan and France and political dialogue between the leaders of the two countries, stated that despite the fact that our approaches on a number of issues do not coincide at the current stage, the continuation of close contacts and political consultations towards the development of relations is important. Minister Catherine Colonna, emphasizing the importance of commitment to the negotiation process despite the fact that issues of peace and confidence-building in the region require a long time to find their solution, stated in this regard that France is also ready to support efforts to establish peace in the region.
At the press briefing held afterwards, the ministers made statements on the results of the meeting and answered journalists’ questions.