The relations of the French authorities with Azerbaijan, based on prejudices and double standards, do not diminish. In any case, it encourages measures that will damage relations between our countries. People who take advantage of the Armenian lobby, especially President Emmanuel Macron, are trying to damage relations between the nations. However, the French and Azerbaijani people are united by historical and cultural ties. Although official Paris wants to prevent the development of relations, these efforts are fruitless.
On September 4 of this year, the French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, carrying out the tasks of Macron’s team, warned French citizens, including those with dual citizenship, not to travel to Azerbaijan. The Ministry attempted to justify this with “the risk of unjustified detention and unfair trial.” But the figures show that the French do not take this warning from official Paris seriously. The French simply do not want to tolerate their government’s nefarious policies.
According to information obtained by “Report” from the ASAN service, compared to the same period last year, the number of French citizens who received visas for Azerbaijan has increased. Thus, in September-October 2023, 1,003 of them (536 in September, 467 in October) received visas, while in the same months of this year, 1,167 (562 in September, 605 in October) citizens of France received visas. And it turns out that the policy followed by the Elysee Palace is bankrupt.
Furthermore, according to information received by “Report” from the State Border Service, the number of French citizens who actually entered the country in September is 264 more than last year. Only in October was a slight decrease recorded (24 people).
In general, since 2022, an increase in the number of visa beneficiaries has been observed. Compared to the 10-month period of 2024, the figures are as follows: an increase of 24% (2,304 people) compared to 2022, and an increase of 15% (1,540 people) compared to 2023.
These figures suggest that Macron’s attempts to prevent his citizens from visiting Azerbaijan are not working. According to the information we received, the number of tourists from France was quite high during the Formula 1 race and other events, and French citizens, journalists and NGO members will be closely involved in the upcoming COP29.
All the mentioned facts show that there is no problem between the two nations and there cannot be. The problem arises from Macron’s dictatorship and some people in France’s foreign policy office. Neither Macron nor the members of his team will achieve their goals, no matter how much they want it. The policy of creating discord between peoples will fail, and friendly and comprehensive relations between the peoples of Azerbaijan and France will continue.
