France withdraws ambassador from Azerbaijan, blames Baku for harming relations | Global News

France has taken a bold step in response to actions by Azerbaijan that have strained their bilateral relationship. The French government announced on Tuesday that it had recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan for consultations, citing unilateral actions by Baku that have damaged the relationship between the two countries.

President Emmanuel Macron met with Ambassador Anne Boillon in Paris to discuss the issue, with the foreign ministry stating that Azerbaijan’s recent actions have been detrimental to the relationship. Tensions between the two countries have long been fueled by the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, with France traditionally supporting Armenia.

Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh in a 2020 conflict and a subsequent offensive in September 2023, raising concerns in France that President Ilham Aliyev may have further territorial ambitions. Macron expressed his regret over Azerbaijan’s actions and called for clarification of their intentions during the meeting with Ambassador Boillon.

Efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been slow, with France reiterating its support for the process while emphasizing respect for international law and the territorial integrity of both countries. Armenia, in turn, has strengthened its defense cooperation with France, including recent deals for precision rifles and defense equipment.

As France takes a firm stance against Azerbaijan’s actions, the region remains volatile with ongoing tensions and unresolved conflicts. The recall of the French ambassador underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues.