Director of journal: Azerbaijan, France have potential to rebuild relationship

Director of "Conflicts" journal Gil Michaeli has said that Azerbaijan and France have the potential to rebuild their relationship, and today's conference on "France's Role in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict" serves as evidence.

“Hosting such an event demonstrates Azerbaijan's desire to engage in dialogue with France,” Michaeli said in an interview with journalists following the event, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"Azerbaijan could have simply said, 'Well, this isn't working, but we have other priorities.' However, it chose not to take that route. Despite criticism, perhaps even sadness or anger, mutual interest remains high. I believe this is the foundation for rebuilding dialogue. France and Azerbaijan have had better times, but they are not enemies," he said.

While addressing the same event, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijani Centre of Analysis of International Relations Farid Shafiyev said that France continues supporting the revanchists in Armenia. 

He emphasised that there is no negative attitude toward French culture in Azerbaijan.

"France has unequivocally expressed its support for Armenia and its intention to supply weapons to the country," he said. 

France continues actively supporting Armenia. A defence cooperation programme between Armenia and France for 2025 has been signed following bilateral consultations at the Armenian Defence Ministry.

"On December 10, strategic defence consultations took place at the Armenian Ministry of Defence, led by Levon Ayvazyan, Head of the Department of Defence Policy and International Cooperation, and Alexandre Escorcia, Head of the European, North American, and Multilateral Cooperation Department of the Directorate General for International Cooperation and Strategy at the French Ministry of Armed Forces," the ministry said.

The consultations reviewed the outcomes of 2024 and outlined plans for the coming year. "Following the consultations, a defence cooperation programme between Armenia and France for 2025 was signed," the statement said. 

Both sides reaffirmed the strategic importance of active collaboration and set higher goals for its development. Special emphasis was placed on cooperation in defense planning, military education and exercises, advisory support, and personnel training. The French delegation was also received by Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces.

Discussions covered priorities in the transformation process of Armenia’s Armed Forces and the progress of cooperation with France in this area. General Asryan expressed satisfaction with the current level of collaboration and hope for its further development. 

By Naila Huseynova