Farid Shafiyev: Armenian diaspora responsible for straining Azerbaijan-France relations

The Armenian diaspora is responsible for the straining of Azerbaijan-France relations, said Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Center for the Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), Report informs.

Shafiyev made the statement at the opening of an international event in Baku themed "France and the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict" organized by the AIR Center.

He noted that while Azerbaijan maintains very constructive relations with several European countries, there is currently a crisis in relations with France.

"Of course, this crisis was created by the French side. Azerbaijan has always sought to establish relations with France, a member of the UN Security Council. We have economic relations with France and cooperate in the energy sector. One of the factors causing the cooling of relations between the two countries is the Armenian diaspora," Shafiyev explained.

Shafiyev emphasized the importance of continuing research on France and learning the French language: "Recently, the French embassy announced an increase in visa applications from Azerbaijan. This is also normal. Azerbaijan does not oppose French culture, and our citizens may want to experience this country's culture firsthand," he said.