President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has accepted the credentials of the newly-appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic Aurelia Bouchez.

Ambassador Aurelia Bouchez reviewed the guard of honor.

Aurelia Bouchez handed her credentials to President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev then had a conversation with the Ambassador.

President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and France enjoyed excellent relations, adding they were developing dynamically in a number of fields. Stressing the importance of the fact that French President Francois Hollande visited Azerbaijan twice a year and touching upon his trips to France, the head of state noted the importance of high-level reciprocal visits in terms of the strengthening of the bilateral relations. Noting that the political relations were developing successfully, President Ilham Aliyev hailed interparliamentary cooperation. The head of state said that the ties between the two countries were of great importance, adding that they will continue to strengthen. The Azerbaijani President said it is indicative of the highest level mutual understanding and support.

Aurelia Bouchez said that she was pleased and honored to be the Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan. Saying that Azerbaijan was a beautiful country and Baku was a magnificent city, the French diplomat expressed her admiration for a successful synthesis of an ancient and modern architecture in the capital. The Ambassador noted that she was deeply impressed with the achievements gained in the field of economy in Azerbaijan. She also praised the stability and religious tolerance in Azerbaijan, saying it could be an example for all European countries.

The sides exchanged views over the soonest and fair settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as the expansion of the bilateral cooperation on various fronts, including energy, investment making, high technologies, space industry, infrastructure, transport and culture.