Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received a delegation led by the Director of the Continental Europe Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France Florence Mangin.

The press service of the Foreign Ministry told APA that the sides expressed satisfaction with the level of current relations between the two countries, it was particularly emphasized that the mutual visits of the presidents of the two countries made a great contribution to the development of bilateral relations.

Florence Mangin noted that the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to France in March of this year was very fruitful. She stressed that the political dialogue between the two countries is at a high level. The diplomat also noted the interest of French companies in joint work with the Azerbaijani side in various spheres of the economy, particularly in the fields of agriculture, energy and transport.

Elmar Mammadyarov, in his turn, stressed the successful cooperation between the two countries in the energy sphere. The Minister noted the presence of favorable opportunities for French companies in other areas as well. Mammadyarov spoke about the work being done in connection with the implementation of TAP, the “North-South” and “East-West” corridors, as well as the prospects of these projects.

Florence Mangin brought to the attention of the minister that two French banks are interested in financing these projects.

Elmar Mammadyarov, touched upon the negotiations between Azerbaijan and the EU, conducted under the draft strategic partnership agreement. F. Mangin announced that she supports this agreement and the expansion of relations between Azerbaijan and the EU.

The Minister highlighted the negotiation process on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and stated the importance of applying the principles of territorial integrity and respect for the sovereignty within the internationally recognized borders in a holistic manner in respect of protracted conflicts.

He stressed that it is unacceptable to change the recognized borders of states by force, and that this contradicts the norms and principles of international law. The minister also noted that the current status quo is unacceptable.

Source Minval.az