Journalists from French overseas territories visit Azerbaijan for training, collaboration

A delegation of media representatives from French-colonized territories has arrived in Azerbaijan for an official visit.

The aim of the two-day trip, according to local media, is to provide specialized communications training to 12 journalists from regions currently under French colonial rule and to facilitate an exchange of experiences with Azerbaijani media professionals, Caliber.Az reports.

During their stay, the journalists will also have the opportunity to learn about Azerbaijan's global stance on defending the rights of peoples suffering from colonialism. They will gain insight into the activities of the Baku Initiative Group and how Azerbaijan supports countries and peoples impacted by colonial legacies. Additionally, the visit will explore potential opportunities for joint collaboration in raising global awareness about the harmful consequences of colonialism.

French colonial expansion, which began in the 16th century, spanned several centuries and resulted in the conquest of lands in the Caribbean, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Africa, and the Americas. This expansion greatly increased France’s territorial holdings far beyond Europe, with key territories including Martinique and Guadeloupe, captured in the 17th century; French Guiana, which became part of the French empire in 1664; New Caledonia, annexed in 1853; Réunion, declared a French possession in 1642; and French Polynesia, which came under French control in 1842.

Today, France’s overseas territories are classified into various categories, each with its own level of autonomy and political control. The overseas departments (DOM) include Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, French Guiana, and Mayotte, which are fully integrated into France and represented in national institutions, including the parliament and the European Union. The overseas communities (COM), such as French Polynesia, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna, enjoy greater autonomy, particularly in internal affairs. Special status territories, like New Caledonia, hold a unique status, and despite several referendums on independence, the region remains a part of France.

In recent years, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a staunch advocate for the rights of peoples seeking self-determination. The country, which follows an independent foreign policy and has experience in restoring its territorial integrity, has increasingly supported the peoples of France’s overseas territories who are fighting for independence and freedom. Azerbaijan's stance against neocolonialism and its push for a more just world, free from the constraints of colonialism, reflects its commitment to these struggles.

Azerbaijan regularly raises the issue of the rights of peoples in French overseas territories on various international platforms. The country has been active at the United Nations General Assembly, where its delegation has supported resolutions aimed at promoting self-determination. In 2024, Azerbaijan initiated debates on decolonization, focusing attention on situations in New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

As a result of these efforts, the struggles of the people in France’s overseas territories have gained greater visibility in international media and are increasingly discussed at diplomatic forums worldwide. Azerbaijan, with its successful experience in resolving territorial disputes, continues to strengthen the positions of these peoples as they challenge French neocolonialism.

By Tamilla Hasanova