France intends to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the development of the territories of Karabakh under its control, Azerbaijani media reported referring to French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Zacharie Gross.

The French Embassy will ensure the implementation of cooperation opportunities in 2022, especially in the fields of mine clearance, assistance in identifying missing persons during the first Karabakh war, and regional development, in particular in Agdam, where France offers its experience and funding for the repair of water and energy networks, the ambassador said in a statement published on the official website of the French Embassy in Azerbaijan.

Gross noted that over the past year Azerbaijan has strengthened its ties with the European Union: “Azerbaijan’s ties with the European Union, in which France will chair for six months, have strengthened over the past year, especially during the Eastern Partnership summit on December 10. The 27 EU countries invite Azerbaijan to deepen cooperation with specific commitments in the field of regional connectivity, sustainable development, and economic diversification. This cooperation can and should be carried out at the service of a more sovereign Europe and the Republic of Azerbaijan to confront the main international challenges. "