First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva meets the French ambassador for international negotiations on the issues of the Arctic and Antarctic

On July 5th, First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with French Ambassador responsible for international negotiations on the issues of the Arctic and Antarctic, former minister for ecology, sustainable development and energy Madame Marie-Ségolène Royal, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the 43rd Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

First, a joint photo was taken.

Mehriban Aliyeva expressed confidence that the visit by M-me Marie-Ségolène Royal to Azerbaijan will be successful, noting, with pleasure, that the developing relations between Azerbaijan and France in a number of fields, underscoring that the political ties were on a high level. Mehriban Aliyeva appreciated the visit by President Ilham Aliyev last year and by herself this year to France, as well as the negotiations held and documents signed as the sign of high-level political relations.

Mentioning that cooperation in the economic sphere too continued successfully, Mehriban Aliyeva said there was good potential in this direction. It was brought to attention that Azerbaijan was the biggest commercial partner of France in the South Caucasus, and that there was a positive dynamics in the trade turnover between the countries. Saying “It is a rejoicing fact that along with the cooperation in the energy sector, cooperation in the non-oil sector is also expanding”, - Mehriban Aliyeva underscored the successful activities of a number of French companies in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the relations in such fields as high technologies, transport and wine production are strengthening.

Emphasizing the significance of the cooperation in the humanitarian field between the two countries, Mehriban Aliyeva noted that the Baku French Lycée, of which foundation was laid with participation of the Azerbaijani and French presidents, and the Azerbaijan-France University, established at the initiative of the presidents of the two countries, were operating successfully, mentioning that the humanitarian sphere has been playing a great part in bringing the two peoples and countries together. Mehriban Aliyeva, talking about the works recently carried out in this direction, said conclusion of cooperation and friendship agreements between Azerbaijani and French cities formed grounds for advancing the friendly ties between the two peoples and countries further. Once more welcoming the guest to Azerbaijan, she wished her successful trip.

Marie-Ségolène Royal said she was honoured to have a meeting with Mehriban Aliyeva. Recalling Mehriban Aliyeva's recent visit to Paris, the guest appreciated it highly. Mentioning that she had visited the Azerbaijan-France University before the meeting, Marie-Ségolène Royal said such projects embody the cooperation built between the two countries.

Issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.