BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 4. France’s anti-Azerbaijan propaganda, especially regarding the COP29 conference to be held in Baku, shows no sign of slowing down. A recent article in the well-known newspaper Le Figaro covered the story of Laurent Guillemin, a French environmentalist who decided to bike across half of Europe to attend COP29. However, midway through his journey, this "environmental defender" suddenly decided that Baku was somehow unsafe for him. Instead, he now plans to stop at the Azerbaijan-Georgia border and declare his journey to COP29 complete there.
The article claims that Guillemin had to pull out of attending the conference due to strained relations between France and Azerbaijan. While it’s true that diplomatic ties between Baku and Paris aren’t at their peak right now, there is absolutely no danger for French citizens in Azerbaijan.
Yes, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs did issue a warning a few months ago, advising its citizens to avoid traveling to Azerbaijan unless absolutely necessary. And, of course, Paris has accused Azerbaijan of arbitrary arrests of French nationals. But let’s be clear: only one French citizen has been arrested in Baku, and that too on valid grounds—on suspicion of espionage.
Despite these warnings, French nationals continue to arrive in Azerbaijan. To clarify matters for Le Figaro and Mr. Guillemin, let’s look at the numbers. According to the latest statistics, 5,337 French nationals visited Azerbaijan between January and September this year, marking a 13 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Even now, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of French visitors in Baku—none of whom have voiced any concerns about their safety.
So, what exactly is the French environmentalist afraid of? It’s unclear. This looks more like another smear campaign against Azerbaijan. Tens of thousands of people are expected to arrive in Baku in November to participate in the climate conference. And, as always, the Western press seems eager to find any opportunity to tarnish Azerbaijan’s image. When it comes to the French press, this is hardly surprising.
Despite all the noise from the French press, preparations for COP29 are progressing flawlessly, earning praise from political leaders, heads of economic institutions, and many others. Over 50 heads of state and government have already confirmed their attendance. While the French media can continue their fearmongering, the reality is clear: no one is buying it. Azerbaijan will host one of the most significant climate conferences of the year, with or without France's approval. The world is moving forward, and those clinging to false narratives and baseless fears are simply being left behind.