Meeting with members of the French Senate

Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, head of the working group for Azerbaijan-France Interparliamentary Relations Mehriban Aliyeva met, February 19, a delegation led by Jean-Marie Bockel, a senator from the French Senate’s Upper Department, a member of the France-Caucasus Friendship Group. 

Expressing the pleasure of seeing members of the French Senate in Baku, Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that this visit of the delegation would contribute to strengthening of the Azerbaijan-France cooperation further, especially to extending of the interparliamentary relations. Strong cooperation between our countries in political, economic and humanitarian spheres and good-pace development of the relations were emphasized. It was noted that members of the French Senate, as well as Azerbaijan’s friends in France and members of the France-Azerbaijan Friendship Group have made significant contribution to making sure that this cooperation reaches the highest level. The primary objective of the friendship group is to convey the true facts about Azerbaijan to the French society. 

Saying “I am happy that we have reached a lot of achievements by our joint efforts. During these years, documents were signed between 12 regions and cities of France and Azerbaijan on fraternization and cooperation”, Mehriban Aliyeva brought to the attention of the guests that a French lyceum is operating in our country and opening of a French university is expected this year. 

It was underscored that various events have been held in France to promote Azerbaijan’s culture and such events will continue this year too, and that all these served to better introducing our country. Expressing contentment in knowing that members of the French Senate would make visits to our regions too, along with the capital, Mehriban Aliyeva said, during these visits, our guests will meet people that became refugees and IDPs as a result of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlyg Garabagh conflict. It was brought to the attention of the guests that for 20 years Azerbaijan has been trying to settle this conflict peacefully, and a regret was expressed that the negotiations yielded no outcome. It was noted that Azerbaijani state has highly appreciated the support provided by France.

Saying “Our position is clear: We have no territorial claim against other countries. We want Azerbaijani lands to be freed, and the refugees and IDPs return to their homes”, Mehriban Aliyeva talked about a strong Armenian lobby acting in France, and underscored that their main objective is to disseminate false information about Azerbaijan. And the objective of the Friendship Group is to introduce the true facts to the French society. Mehriban Aliyeva thanked members of the French Senate for the support they provided in this work.

Member of the French Senate Jean-Marie-Bockel highly appreciated Mehriban Aliyeva’s role in the strengthening of the relations between the two countries further. 

A photo was taken at the end of the meeting.