Baku, October 28 (AzerTAc). A solemn ceremony has taken place in Paris on the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and France. 

Azerbaijan`s first lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the ceremony held at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with support of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France.

Speaking at the ceremony Mehriban Aliyeva highlighted the ongoing development process in Azerbaijan. According to Mrs. Aliyeva, Azerbaijan has taken a worthy place in the world map and is developing rapidly. The first lady also praised bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and France.

Touching upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Mehriban Aliyeva said solution to the problem was a priority on the Azerbaijan-France agenda. The president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation also praised Azerbaijan-France economic cooperation. According to her, trade turnover between the two countries is about 4 billion euro and today more than 30 French companies are operating in Azerbaijan.

The first lady also pointed out cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries was developing successfully. The president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation expressed hope that Azerbaijan-France relationship would further develop.

Chief of Senate`s France-Caucasus friendship group Ambruaz Dupont spoke of Azerbaijan-France relations, stressing that over 20 years they passed through successful way of development. Dupont noted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev`s visits to France had opened a new page in relationship between the two countries. He particularly underlined the successful activity of Mehriban Aliyeva as a head of the Azerbaijan-France friendship group in the Azerbaijani parliament. According to Dupont, Mrs. Aliyeva`s activity in the cultural sphere is highly appreciated as well.

Uzeyir Hajibayli Azerbaijan State Symphonic Orchestra performed works of Azerbaijani and French composers at the event.

The ceremony brought together French officials, public, political and cultural figures.

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