Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with the French delegation led by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna.

Following the one-on-one meeting, Jeyhun Bayramov and Catherine Colonna have held an expanded meeting with the participation of both sides` delegations.

During the meeting, the sides discussed current cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and France, the current state of relations, as well as ongoing developments in the region.

Recalling the implementation of joint projects in economy, energy security, transport, culture, education since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and France in the past years, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that there had been opportunities to continue the experience of effective cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Bayramov emphasized that mutual contacts and political dialogue were important for evaluating prospects and possibilities to eliminate misunderstandings and discuss the current state of relations between the two countries.

Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted the current regional situation and realities in the post-conflict period, Azerbaijan's efforts towards the normalization of relations with Armenia, the signing of a peace treaty, and the opening of transport communications in the region.

Bayramov said that Armenia has an unconstructive approach, commits military and political provocations, evades its obligations, and the Lachin road is being misused for the continuation of military and mine threats contrary to the provisions of the trilateral statement.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that despite the current challenges and difficulties, Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to establish peace and security in the region.

Referring to the participation of France in the negotiation process towards the settlement of the past conflict, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pointed out that France`s position in the post-conflict period did not contribute to the peace process.

Speaking about the history of the relations between Azerbaijan and France, the political dialogue between the two countries` leaders, Minister Catherine Colonna said that despite the fact that the two countries` approaches to a number of issues do not coincide, it is important to continue close contacts and political consultations towards development of relations.

Although peace and trust building in the region take much time, Catherine Colonna emphasized the importance of commitment to the negotiation process and noted that France is also ready to support efforts to establish peace in the region.

The ministers then made press statements on the results of the meeting and responded to the media questions.

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