Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met with Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the French Republic Philippe Etienne as part of his working visit to France. The sides hailed the development of political dialogue between the two countries and stressed the importance of high-level visits in further deepening of political relations.

Minister Elmar Mammadyarov briefed Philippe Etienne on the negotiation process on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reiterated Azerbaijan's fair position on the settlement of the conflict, based on the norms and principles of international law. During the meeting the development of humanitarian and economic-trade relations between the two countries was commended. In this regard, the joint Azerbaijani-French University, the activities of the French lyceum, the support provided for teaching of French, exchange of students, the establishment of relations between the regions of the two countries, and the expansion of trade relations were noted.

FM Mammadyarov spoke to the diplomatic advisor about the transport and energy projects implemented in the region with the initiative and support of Azerbaijan and the fundamental reforms and measures taken to develop non-oil sector in the country. He invited French companies to be more closely involved in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector.

The sides with satisfaction noted the support provided by France for the development of Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union. The two praised Azerbaijan's tradition of multiculturalism and its contributions to intercultural and interfaith dialogue. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues.(Azertac)