Azernews.Az

An exhibition has been held in France as part of the Cultural Values of Azerbaijan - the Pearl of Caucasus project organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and supported by the Azerbaijani embassy, state news agency AzerTac reported.
Speaking at the event, mayor of Romorantin-Lanthenay Jeanny Lorgeoux expressed satisfaction with the event and thanked President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva for hospitality showed during the French parliamentary delegation`s recent visit to Azerbaijan.
According to him, President Aliyev, who successfully continues domestic and foreign policy defined by national leader Heydar Aliyev, makes every effort to modernize and develop the whole country. He noted that Azerbaijan is a tolerant country.
Lorgeoux pointed out that 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories, including Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions, were occupied with over a million people displaced from their homes.
Ambassador Elchin Amirbeyov pointed out Azerbaijan is keen on development of its relations with France. The two countries celebrate 20 years of diplomatic ties this year. He noted France is Azerbaijan`s second largest trade partner.
The ambassador pointed out that former French president Nicolas Sarkozy visited Azerbaijan last year and President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by incumbent President Francois Hollande in September. Discussions at the meeting revolved around development of bilateral relations.
He underlined energy-rich Azerbaijan plays an important role in ensuring energy security of Europe and transportation of Caspian energy resources to Europe.