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The EU countries are not interested in the establishment of an alternative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe, French ambassador to Azerbaijan Aurelia Bouchez said.

Bouchez made the remarks at the Caspian Platform event dedicated to NATO and France in Baku on December 1.

However, the ambassador added that such an organization, if created, wouldn’t have contradicted the functions of NATO, but rather would have complemented its activity in Europe.

Touching upon the relations between NATO and Russia, the French ambassador noted that despite some disagreements in interests, the relations are built upon dialogue and mutual respect for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security.

Bouchez also noted that NATO always stands for openness in accepting new members, but joining the Alliance, nevertheless, envisages a number of stringent criteria, including a country’s military situation, security factor, and geographical location.

The ambassador also said NATO is always committed to preserving peace and security as well as cooperating with neighboring countries to maintain peace, adding that organizations as NATO are needed to ensure security at a time when the threat of terrorism is spreading.

In her speech at the event, Bouchez also described the history of cooperation between France and NATO, and thanked the organizers and those present for the invitation and participation.

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