French citizens defy government's travel warning, flock to Azerbaijan

The French government's biased and double-standard approach towards Azerbaijan shows no signs of abating. It encourages steps that will harm the relations between the two countries. Led by President Emmanuel Macron, individuals benefiting from the Armenian lobby are attempting to undermine the relationship between the two nations.

However, the French and Azerbaijani people remain united by historical and cultural ties, and official Paris' efforts to hinder the development of relations prove futile.

In September, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, acting on the orders of Macron's team, issued a travel warning to French citizens, including dual nationals, against visiting Azerbaijan.

The ministry attempted to justify this with the "risk of arbitrary arrest and unfair trial." However, figures reveal that the French people are not taking their government's warning seriously, refusing to accept the notorious policies of their authorities.

According to the information obtained by Report from the ASAN Service, the number of French citizens obtaining visas to Azerbaijan in September-October 2024 has increased compared to the same period last year.

In September-October 2024, 1,167 French citizens (562 in September, 605 in October) received visas, compared to 1,003 (536 in September, 467 in October) in the same months of the previous year. This exposes the failure of the policies pursued by the Élysée Palace.

Moreover, data from the State Border Service of Azerbaijan (SBS) shows that the number of French citizens actually entering the country in September 2024 was 264 more than the previous year. Only a slight decrease (24 people) was recorded in October.

Overall, there has been an increase in the number of visa recipients since 2022. Compared to the 10-month period of 2024, the figures are as follows: a 24% increase (2,304 people) compared to 2022, and a 15% increase (1,540 people) compared to 2023.

These numbers suggest that Macron's attempts to prevent his citizens from traveling to Azerbaijan are not yielding results. According to Report, the number of tourists from France was quite high during the Formula 1 race and other events, and French citizens, journalists, and NGO members are expected to actively participate in the upcoming COP29.

All the mentioned facts indicate that there are no problems between the two nations, and there cannot be. The issue stems from the Macron dictatorship and certain individuals in the French foreign policy administration. No matter how hard Macron and his team members try, they will not achieve their goals. The policy of sowing discord between peoples will fail, and the friendship and comprehensive relations between the Azerbaijani and French people will continue.