According to him, Azerbaijan is undoubtedly important for France, but rather as a sales market, primarily for French military and industrial products.
“French industrialists are interested in establishing close economic contacts with Azerbaijan. However, when it comes to choosing an ally, say, in a military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, then the French government will always choose Yerevan. This is a fairly traditional policy for France, it never changes with the change of presidents and governments.
“The role of the large Armenian diaspora in France in these processes is undoubtedly important. Therefore, no changes in the general direction of France’s policy in the South Caucasus should be expected. Of course, France will pose as an important player in this region, but its diplomatic settlement toolkit is minimal. Besides, as I said, France will automatically take Armenia’s side in the conflict,” the expert said.
Speaking about modern France-Turkey relations, Igor Ignatchenko pointed out that their quality had deteriorated considerably lately.
“This was facilitated not only by the disagreements between France and Turkey over the South Caucasus region, but also by Paris’s internal political agenda, namely, the attitude of the authorities and French society towards Islamist migrants in France. I don’t believe that with the current rhetoric on both sides, bilateral relations between France and Turkey will improve, at least under Macron’s presidency,” Ignatchenko concluded.
Huseyn Safarov
Translated from Caliber.Az
Aze.Media
