By Azernews
By Rashid Shirinov
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved within the sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan, said Pierre-Alain Raphan, the head of the France-Azerbaijan Friendship Group of France’s National Assembly.
He made the remark at a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Baku on November 2.
Pierre-Alain Raphan, in turn, noted the importance of increasing contacts between the parliamentarians of Azerbaijan and France and expanding cooperation with the regions of France.
He also underlined the significance of enhancing friendship ties between the cities of both countries for further public awareness and promotion of Azerbaijan in France.
Mammadyarov mentioned that this year marks the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have had friendly ties based on mutual understanding throughout these years.
The sides discussed the current level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and France, including prospects for development of political, economic, culture and sport relations.
France recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on January 3, 1992. The two countries established their diplomatic relations in February 1992.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and France amounted some $644 million last year. French companies are actively participating in the petrochemical, food, agricultural, machine engineering, tourism and other spheres in Azerbaijan.
More than 90 companies from France are involved in the oil and gas projects in Azerbaijan as subcontractors. At the same time, over 50 French companies participate in the non-oil sectors' projects, including the first Azerbaijani telecommunications satellite Azerspace, and a plant for solid waste recycling. In turn, 44 Azerbaijani companies are represented in France.