The spokesperson of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizada, responded to the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot.

Axar.az reports that the spokesperson made a statement on this matter on his X account.

"The comment by the Foreign Minister of France Jean-Noel Barrot accusing Azerbaijan in overseas territories interference is an overt attempt to cover up France’s inaction vis-a-vis demands of indigenous population of New Caledonia. It was France that has always interfered into the regional affairs, and tried to undermine the process led by Azerbaijan to restore peace and stability.

The Baku Initiative Group, being an NGO, aims at bringing into publicity France's colonial policies and problems in overseas territories. Efforts to denigrate the work of such groups undermines the process of decolonization.

Instead of ending the policy of repressions against indigenous population of New Caledonia, where as a result of use of force at least 14 people died and many injured last year, blackmailing against Azerbaijan demonstrates how futile France’s foreign policy strategy is.

Moreover, the abuse by France of its role and resources in multiple international organizations to put a pressure on international NGO advocates aiming at propagating against the neo-colonial policies is pointless and will not yield results.

We resolutely reject and condemn anti-Azerbaijani claims of French Foreign Minister," added Hajizada.