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news.az, Azerbaijan
Oct 8 2011
France plays important role in peaceful settlement Karabakh conflict - President
Sat 08 October 2011 05:54 GMT | 1:54 Local Time
The ground-breaking ceremony of the French lyceum was held in Baku on 7 October.
The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev,
President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy and the first lady of
our country Mehriban Aliyeva.
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed head of the French state, Nicolas Sarkozy.
Participants in the ceremony warmly welcomed the presidents of
Azerbaijan and France.
Initially they signed an "Agreement between the Government of the
Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the French Republic on
the establishment of the Baku French Lyceum." From the Azerbaijani
side the document was signed by Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov,
from on the French part, by Minister for Cooperation of the Minister
of Foreign and European Affairs, Henri de Renkur.
'Heads of State spoke at the ceremony.
Welcoming the guest, President Ilham Aliyev said:
-Dear Mr. President!
Distinguished guests!
Ladies and gentlemen!
Mr. President, I cordially welcome you in Azerbaijan, you are welcome
to Azerbaijan. Your visit is a historical one. It is the first time
the President of France is visiting Azerbaijan. I am confident that
your visit will greatly contribute to the further successful
development of French-Azerbaijani relations. We maintain multilateral
relations, covering all areas. The cooperation of the recent years
between our two countries inspires and convinces us that the
French-Azerbaijani relations will further be strategic.
Our political relations are very intense. I have repeatedly made
visits to your beautiful country, and now you are our guest. Prospects
for cooperation in the political sphere . France also plays an
important role in the development of relations between Azerbaijan and
the European Union. Thank you for the support that you personally and
the state you lead provide to the ties between the EU and Azerbaijan.
A recent summit of "Eastern Partnership" has once again demonstrated
that the relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan are
developing successfully. France also plays an important role in the
NATO-Azerbaijan relations. I am sure that your country will continue
supporting the development of these ties.
Of course, regional security issues are constantly in the spotlight.
Today we also had a very broad and sincere discussion on these issues.
As the co-chair of the Minsk Group, France plays an important role in
the peaceful settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We highly appreciate this role and hope
that through your personal effort the conflict would soon be settled
in accordance with international law and territorial integrity of our
country will be restored.
For many years, Azerbaijani lands - Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding
seven regions are under occupation. As a result of this occupation and
ethnic cleansing more than one million Azerbaijanis live a life of
refugees and displaced persons to their native land. This situation
must end, and as you pointed out, the status quo should be changed. I
think that there are good opportunities to change the status quo, and
Azerbaijan is the party which wishes the changes in status quo more
than anyone else. Since this is our land and our lands are under
occupation. International organizations have passed their decision on
this issue - UN Security Council, OSCE, European Parliament, the
Council of Europe, and other organizations. That is, there is a legal
framework for resolving the issue. I am sure that in the near future
more serious steps will be taken, the conflict would end and peace and
cooperation will be established in the South Caucasus.
Cooperation between our countries in the economic sphere is also
developing very successfully. I can say that in the first 8 months of
this year, trade turnover between the two countries exceeded $3 bn and
there is a scope for further development. I hope that at the end of
the year this figure will reach $4bn.
Some 40 French companies function in Azerbaijan. They implement
different projects in ecology and environmental protection. A waste
disposal plant in Azerbaijan is built by the French company. French
companies are involved in the conceptual development plan in Baku
subway. Our first telecommunications satellite will orbit the French
company. That is, in this area there are good opportunities for
cooperation.
Cooperation in energy security is also successful. The discovery of a
new gas field in Azerbaijan by French companies Total and Gas de
France will increase the energy potential of our country and at the
same time have a positive impact on European energy security. Because,
as you know, Azerbaijan has played a very important role in the
Southern Gas Corridor. These issues are also part of the ties between
European Union and Azerbaijan.
The recently discovered gas field has 350 bn cubic meters of gas, and
now the gas potential of Azerbaijan is 2.6 trl cubic meters. I am very
pleased that French companies are successfully operating in Azerbaijan
as our partners.
Finally, we maintain a very broad cooperation in the humanitarian
sphere. In the near future the center of Azerbaijani culture is to be
commissioned in Paris. And today Baku will be laying the foundation
for the French Lyceum. This is a very remarkable and wonderful event.
Operation of this school will further strengthen the
French-Azerbaijani relations. It is a symbol of our friendship. At the
same time, it is a big investment in the education sector in
Azerbaijan. I express my deep appreciation to all who have contributed
to the creation of this school. Participation of the President of
France in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lyceum, of course, gives
a special significance to today's ceremony.
I am sure, dear Mr President, that we with you will take part in the
opening of the Lyceum. Once again I welcome you to Azerbaijan, I wish
you and your country continued success. Thank you "
Speaking at the ceremony, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said:
- Dear Mr. President! I am pleased to attend the groundbreaking
ceremony of the Baku French Lyceum, to be with you in Baku. The
decision to establish this school is not only an example of high-level
diplomatic and political ties between the two countries, but also
evidence of the attitude of Azerbaijan. It also demonstrates the
dynamism of Azerbaijan and its willingness to be open to the world.
Baku is an important hub. It is the space, where different peoples
and cultures crossed for centuries. The French Lyceum will embody the
history of this country. The foundation of the French Lyceum is laid
today at the avenue, where once lived the Nobel Brothers, who played a
very important role in development of the oil industry of your
country, thanks to the support of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan
and Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
I want to again express my gratitude to Mehriban Aliyeva.
With the support of the French mission for secular education and
ministries of education in our countries this lyceym will contribute
to formation of the French-speaking elite. At the same time the doors
of universities in France are always open to these French-speaking
students. Upon graduation they will return to their country to benefit
to Azerbaijan.
As to my knowledge, thanks to the scholarships of the French
government and over the past years and the government of Azerbaijan
obtain education in France. I want enrichment of cooperation between
universities. I hope that the French lyceum will make its
contribution. This lyceum will also reflect the consistency of
cultural and historical ties between our countries. After the
Bolshevik occupation of 1920 France provided refuge to most expelled
members of the first independent government of Azerbaijan. In November
1944, General Charles de Gaulle, who went to Moscow for discussion of
the result of the Second World War, knighted in Baku. I do not forget
this.
Since the restoration of independence of Azerbaijan, our countries
launched dynamic and fruitful cooperation, especially in the sphere of
education and culture. This is fixed in strategic partnership and as I
noticed in culture. In March of the next year, the Baku Art Museum
will open the exhibition of French masterpieces. It will demonstrate
about a hundred of outstanding works, reflecting the French cultural
heritage beginning from the epoch of Resurrection and up to date.
Dear President! Dear Ilham! By taking the decision to create this
lyceum, you are choosing the cultural diversity of Francophone. It is
a brave choice and successful future. France is our friend and partner
in all fields. As you know, Francophone is already the carrier of such
general human values as tolerance, freedom, human rights and
democracy. By your influence and support to this wonderful project,
you demonstrate support to these values and I congratulate you on this
occasion. I would like to congratulate you once again. I am thankful
to you personally, Mr.President, and your spouse for the reception you
gave today. Please, be sure that France is your friend and you can
trust it. Thank you! The presidents of Azerbaijan and France saw the
stand on the future lyceum.
The foundation of the French Lyceum was laid further.
President Ilham Aliyev and President Nicolas Sarkozy descended a
capsule into the foundation. The heads of the states and the first
lady of Azerbaijan poured the concrete compound into the foundation.
It was noted that the lyceum to be built at the initiative of Heydar
Aliyev Foundation will open wide opportunities for French-speaking
foreign citizens, living in our country temporarily or permanently,
and Azerbaijani citizens for studying in this language.
The French lyceum will be wrking on classical French curriculum,
applied in the 12-year mainstream facility, beginning with the
kindergarten. The lessons will be held in French in line with the
requirements of the national educational system of France. The
certificate issued to the pupils will meet the standards and
requirements of the French Ministry of National Education and be
recognized by it. The school leavers will get the opportunity to
continue education at any university of France depending on their
choice.
The French president was informed that this facility will be held in
Baku in the `White city' area. The `Baku-White City' project, which is
among the biggest and unique projects in town-building in the world
differs with that the Paris quarter will be laid here.
Then the head of the states met with French businessmen in our country
and wished them success.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva
saw off their guest, President of France Nicolas Sarkozy.
AzerTAj
Oct 8 2011
France plays important role in peaceful settlement Karabakh conflict - President
Sat 08 October 2011 05:54 GMT | 1:54 Local Time
The ground-breaking ceremony of the French lyceum was held in Baku on 7 October.
The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev,
President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy and the first lady of
our country Mehriban Aliyeva.
President Ilham Aliyev welcomed head of the French state, Nicolas Sarkozy.
Participants in the ceremony warmly welcomed the presidents of
Azerbaijan and France.
Initially they signed an "Agreement between the Government of the
Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the French Republic on
the establishment of the Baku French Lyceum." From the Azerbaijani
side the document was signed by Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov,
from on the French part, by Minister for Cooperation of the Minister
of Foreign and European Affairs, Henri de Renkur.
'Heads of State spoke at the ceremony.
Welcoming the guest, President Ilham Aliyev said:
-Dear Mr. President!
Distinguished guests!
Ladies and gentlemen!
Mr. President, I cordially welcome you in Azerbaijan, you are welcome
to Azerbaijan. Your visit is a historical one. It is the first time
the President of France is visiting Azerbaijan. I am confident that
your visit will greatly contribute to the further successful
development of French-Azerbaijani relations. We maintain multilateral
relations, covering all areas. The cooperation of the recent years
between our two countries inspires and convinces us that the
French-Azerbaijani relations will further be strategic.
Our political relations are very intense. I have repeatedly made
visits to your beautiful country, and now you are our guest. Prospects
for cooperation in the political sphere . France also plays an
important role in the development of relations between Azerbaijan and
the European Union. Thank you for the support that you personally and
the state you lead provide to the ties between the EU and Azerbaijan.
A recent summit of "Eastern Partnership" has once again demonstrated
that the relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan are
developing successfully. France also plays an important role in the
NATO-Azerbaijan relations. I am sure that your country will continue
supporting the development of these ties.
Of course, regional security issues are constantly in the spotlight.
Today we also had a very broad and sincere discussion on these issues.
As the co-chair of the Minsk Group, France plays an important role in
the peaceful settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We highly appreciate this role and hope
that through your personal effort the conflict would soon be settled
in accordance with international law and territorial integrity of our
country will be restored.
For many years, Azerbaijani lands - Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding
seven regions are under occupation. As a result of this occupation and
ethnic cleansing more than one million Azerbaijanis live a life of
refugees and displaced persons to their native land. This situation
must end, and as you pointed out, the status quo should be changed. I
think that there are good opportunities to change the status quo, and
Azerbaijan is the party which wishes the changes in status quo more
than anyone else. Since this is our land and our lands are under
occupation. International organizations have passed their decision on
this issue - UN Security Council, OSCE, European Parliament, the
Council of Europe, and other organizations. That is, there is a legal
framework for resolving the issue. I am sure that in the near future
more serious steps will be taken, the conflict would end and peace and
cooperation will be established in the South Caucasus.
Cooperation between our countries in the economic sphere is also
developing very successfully. I can say that in the first 8 months of
this year, trade turnover between the two countries exceeded $3 bn and
there is a scope for further development. I hope that at the end of
the year this figure will reach $4bn.
Some 40 French companies function in Azerbaijan. They implement
different projects in ecology and environmental protection. A waste
disposal plant in Azerbaijan is built by the French company. French
companies are involved in the conceptual development plan in Baku
subway. Our first telecommunications satellite will orbit the French
company. That is, in this area there are good opportunities for
cooperation.
Cooperation in energy security is also successful. The discovery of a
new gas field in Azerbaijan by French companies Total and Gas de
France will increase the energy potential of our country and at the
same time have a positive impact on European energy security. Because,
as you know, Azerbaijan has played a very important role in the
Southern Gas Corridor. These issues are also part of the ties between
European Union and Azerbaijan.
The recently discovered gas field has 350 bn cubic meters of gas, and
now the gas potential of Azerbaijan is 2.6 trl cubic meters. I am very
pleased that French companies are successfully operating in Azerbaijan
as our partners.
Finally, we maintain a very broad cooperation in the humanitarian
sphere. In the near future the center of Azerbaijani culture is to be
commissioned in Paris. And today Baku will be laying the foundation
for the French Lyceum. This is a very remarkable and wonderful event.
Operation of this school will further strengthen the
French-Azerbaijani relations. It is a symbol of our friendship. At the
same time, it is a big investment in the education sector in
Azerbaijan. I express my deep appreciation to all who have contributed
to the creation of this school. Participation of the President of
France in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lyceum, of course, gives
a special significance to today's ceremony.
I am sure, dear Mr President, that we with you will take part in the
opening of the Lyceum. Once again I welcome you to Azerbaijan, I wish
you and your country continued success. Thank you "
Speaking at the ceremony, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said:
- Dear Mr. President! I am pleased to attend the groundbreaking
ceremony of the Baku French Lyceum, to be with you in Baku. The
decision to establish this school is not only an example of high-level
diplomatic and political ties between the two countries, but also
evidence of the attitude of Azerbaijan. It also demonstrates the
dynamism of Azerbaijan and its willingness to be open to the world.
Baku is an important hub. It is the space, where different peoples
and cultures crossed for centuries. The French Lyceum will embody the
history of this country. The foundation of the French Lyceum is laid
today at the avenue, where once lived the Nobel Brothers, who played a
very important role in development of the oil industry of your
country, thanks to the support of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan
and Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
I want to again express my gratitude to Mehriban Aliyeva.
With the support of the French mission for secular education and
ministries of education in our countries this lyceym will contribute
to formation of the French-speaking elite. At the same time the doors
of universities in France are always open to these French-speaking
students. Upon graduation they will return to their country to benefit
to Azerbaijan.
As to my knowledge, thanks to the scholarships of the French
government and over the past years and the government of Azerbaijan
obtain education in France. I want enrichment of cooperation between
universities. I hope that the French lyceum will make its
contribution. This lyceum will also reflect the consistency of
cultural and historical ties between our countries. After the
Bolshevik occupation of 1920 France provided refuge to most expelled
members of the first independent government of Azerbaijan. In November
1944, General Charles de Gaulle, who went to Moscow for discussion of
the result of the Second World War, knighted in Baku. I do not forget
this.
Since the restoration of independence of Azerbaijan, our countries
launched dynamic and fruitful cooperation, especially in the sphere of
education and culture. This is fixed in strategic partnership and as I
noticed in culture. In March of the next year, the Baku Art Museum
will open the exhibition of French masterpieces. It will demonstrate
about a hundred of outstanding works, reflecting the French cultural
heritage beginning from the epoch of Resurrection and up to date.
Dear President! Dear Ilham! By taking the decision to create this
lyceum, you are choosing the cultural diversity of Francophone. It is
a brave choice and successful future. France is our friend and partner
in all fields. As you know, Francophone is already the carrier of such
general human values as tolerance, freedom, human rights and
democracy. By your influence and support to this wonderful project,
you demonstrate support to these values and I congratulate you on this
occasion. I would like to congratulate you once again. I am thankful
to you personally, Mr.President, and your spouse for the reception you
gave today. Please, be sure that France is your friend and you can
trust it. Thank you! The presidents of Azerbaijan and France saw the
stand on the future lyceum.
The foundation of the French Lyceum was laid further.
President Ilham Aliyev and President Nicolas Sarkozy descended a
capsule into the foundation. The heads of the states and the first
lady of Azerbaijan poured the concrete compound into the foundation.
It was noted that the lyceum to be built at the initiative of Heydar
Aliyev Foundation will open wide opportunities for French-speaking
foreign citizens, living in our country temporarily or permanently,
and Azerbaijani citizens for studying in this language.
The French lyceum will be wrking on classical French curriculum,
applied in the 12-year mainstream facility, beginning with the
kindergarten. The lessons will be held in French in line with the
requirements of the national educational system of France. The
certificate issued to the pupils will meet the standards and
requirements of the French Ministry of National Education and be
recognized by it. The school leavers will get the opportunity to
continue education at any university of France depending on their
choice.
The French president was informed that this facility will be held in
Baku in the `White city' area. The `Baku-White City' project, which is
among the biggest and unique projects in town-building in the world
differs with that the Paris quarter will be laid here.
Then the head of the states met with French businessmen in our country
and wished them success.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva
saw off their guest, President of France Nicolas Sarkozy.
AzerTAj