Vısıt to France

A group of deputies led by Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Chairperson of the Working Group of the Milli Majlis for Azerbaijan-France Interparliamentary Relations Mehriban Aliyeva has been on a visit to Paris, May 20-23, 2013.

Meeting with director of the Versailles Palace and Museum Catherine Pegard

On May 20, Mehriban Aliyeva met with Director of the Versailles Palace and Museum Catherine Pégard at the Centre of Azerbaijani Culture in Paris.

Expansion of cooperation in the sphere of culture between Azerbaijan and Versailles Palace was discussed at the meeting. An agreement was reached to represent Azerbaijan at the Versailles in terms of culture and to hold an exhibition consisting of exhibits belonging to Versailles Museum in Baku.

Meeting with Chairman of the French National Assembly Claude Bartolone

On May 21, Mehriban Aliyeva met with Chairman of the French National Assembly Claude Bartolone.

Claude Bartolone expressed his pleasure for the meeting with Mehriban Aliyeva and said this visit would play a significant role in strengthening the relations between the parliaments. Expressing satisfaction with the high level of relations in political, economic, cultural and other spheres between Azerbaijan and France, Claude Bartolone emphasized the support of Mehriban Aliyeva to the construction of a French lycée in Baku.

Mehriban Aliyeva noted that bilateral relations between the countries are at the highest level and developing in all spheres, and talked of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlyg Garabagh conflict and its outcomes.

Mentioning the cultural events being held in France in connection with our country, Mehriban Aliyeva said the Heydar Aliyev Foundation continues this project.

Meeting with Chairperson of the France-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the French National Assembly Thierry Marianni

On May 21, the delegation led by Mehriban Aliyeva met with Chairperson of the France-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group of the French National Assembly Thierry Marianni.

Necessity of developing relations between our countries’ legislative bodies further and strengthening the activity of the working group and expansion of cooperation within international organizations were underlined.

On the same day, a dinner-party was arranged by the Azerbaijani side for the French delegation at the Cultural Centre of Azerbaijan.

Meeting with Chairperson of the Foreign Relations Commission of the French National Assembly Élisabeth Guigou

On May 22, Mehriban Aliyeva met with Chairperson of the Foreign Relations Commission of the French National Assembly Élisabeth Guigou.

Expressing satisfaction with the development of relations between our countries in all spheres, Élisabeth Guigousaid the rapid development process in Azerbaijan arouses much interest, and underlined that relations between organizations of Azerbaijan and Europe develop.

Mehriban Aliyeva noted that integration into Europe is a high-priority matter in our country’s foreign policy, relations with the European Union develops and our country actively participates in the “Eastern Partnership” program of this organization.

Informing of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlyg Garabagh conflict, Mehriban Aliyeva said the conflict should be resolved within the international legal norms and territorial integrity of our country.

Meeting with Chairperson of the French National Assembly’s European Affairs Committee Danielle Auroi

On May 23, Mehriban Aliyeva met with Chairperson of the French National Assembly’s European Affairs Committee Danielle Auroi.

Exchange of views on the relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union was held at the meeting.

A business dinner in honour of the delegation led by Mehriban Aliyeva

On May 23, a business dinner was given by head of the France-Caucasus Friendship Group Ambroise Dupont in honour of the delegation led by Mehriban Aliyeva.

Meeting with President of the French Senate Jean-Pierre Bell

On May 23, Mehriban Aliyeva met with President of the French Senate Jean-Pierre Bell.

Jean-Pierre Bell noted the exclusive role of Mehriban Aliyeva in the development of relations between France and Azerbaijan. Calling her a true friend of France, Jean-Pierre Bell thanked Mehriban Aliyeva for the promotion of the French culture in Azerbaijan.

Mehriban Aliyeva highly appreciated the endeavours by France towards settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Daghlyg Garabagh conflict by maintaining Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Expressing confidence that the cooperation between the parliaments will develop further, Mehriban Aliyeva noted the number of friends of Azerbaijan in the French Senate would increase.

Meeting with Minister of France for Francophony Matters Yamina Benguigui

On May 23, Mehriban Aliyeva met with Minister of France for Francophony Matters Yamina Benguigui.

Yamina Benguigui said the French Government has known Mehriban Aliyeva as a friend of this country, and said she welcomes the events held by her to promote the Azerbaijani culture in the world, including France.

Mehriban Aliyeva noted that France was an important partner for Azerbaijan, relations between our countries developed in political, economic and cultural spheres, and said projects being implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation towards promoting Azerbaijan in France would continue, and expressed confidence that construction of the French lycée in Baku will be completed successfully.

Then a dinner was given in honour of Mehriban Aliyeva on behalf of Yamina Benguigui.

May 20-23, 2013