Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 19
By Anakhanum Khidayatova - Trend:
Relations between France and Azerbaijan are developing in all areas, including economy and education, said French Ambassador Aurelia Bouchez addressing a reception held for journalists and heads of information services in Baku, Nov. 19.
Praising the development of the two countries' bilateral relations, the ambassador said the importance of further stepping up these relations was highlighted during her meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.
"I am sure there are other areas that we will develop," said the ambassador, noting that economy is a very important area, as it creates new jobs.
"I will try to implement all the projects conceived during the last visit of President Hollande to Baku. I am pleased to see that 40 French companies are already successfully operating in Azerbaijan," she said.
Bouchez further noted that before being appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan, she headed the EU's representation in Kazakhstan, and so she knows the Caspian region very well.
"I am very happy to be in Caucasus, in Azerbaijan, and to continue my work here," she added.
"Azerbaijan is the first partner of France in the Caucasus. Our economic cooperation is very diverse. There is also possibility to develop relations in agriculture, transportation and tourism," noted Bouchez.
Further touching upon the cooperation in education, the ambassador said the French Lyceum in Baku has been operating for only two years, but there are many who want to study there.
"We also see that the French language is in great demand in Azerbaijan, it is studied by 80,000 people," said the diplomat.
Bouchez also thanked Azerbaijani government and people for supporting her country after the November 13 terror attacks in Paris.
She said France is trying by all means to protect the people in Paris and the surrounding areas from terror attacks, noting that a three-month state of emergency has been declared there.
"France is trying to ensure security, but no one can guarantee absolute safety," noted Bouchez. "This time, the terrorists' target was France, the next time it can be another country."
"I think the entire civilized world is under threat. We must be united on this matter," added the ambassador.