CAIR Chairman Farid Shafiyev stated that relations with France are currently strained, attributing the crisis to France's actions. However, economic and energy cooperation continues. He emphasized the significant role of the Armenian factor in France and clarified that Azerbaijan is not the initiator of tensions.
During panel discussions, speakers highlighted France's historical involvement in the conflict, the influence of the Armenian diaspora in French politics, and France’s inconsistent stance as a mediator. Experts noted that France initially tried to maintain neutrality but shifted after 2020, adopting a more explicit position against Azerbaijan.
French academic Christian Vallar recalled that France was among the first to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence and once supported resolutions condemning Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani territories. However, bilateral relations worsened after President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 visit to Armenia, excluding Azerbaijan.
MP Tural Ganjaliyev mentioned France’s past pragmatic relations with Azerbaijan, noting that the strengthening of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy since 2003 led to increasing Armenian diaspora-driven opposition.
Robert Cutler of Carleton University pointed out that France’s excessive support for Armenia undermined its credibility as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair. He warned that France’s military aid to Armenia, including air defense systems and armored vehicles, could escalate tensions, prompting reactions from Russia, Türkiye, and Iran.
Other speakers, including legal and geopolitical experts, stressed that France’s biased approach harms regional stability and Azerbaijan-France relations. They cautioned that deteriorating ties benefit neither country and may have broader geopolitical consequences.
The conference concluded with Q&A and discussions on future prospects.
AzVision.az
More about:
