On June 12, Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister, held talks with Romain Girbal, co-founder and CEO of France’s IB2 company, to discuss cooperation prospects in the aluminum industry.
During the meeting, Jabbarov emphasized the strategic importance of efficiently utilizing natural resources, diversifying raw material sources, and incorporating sustainable technologies into industrial production. He noted that both sides explored potential areas for collaboration in the aluminum sector, particularly in knowledge sharing and expertise exchange.
Notably, relations between France and Azerbaijan have significantly deteriorated in recent years. In April 2024, France recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan, accusing Baku of actions that damaged bilateral ties. President Emmanuel Macron met with Ambassador Anne Boillon in Paris to discuss the matter, expressing regret over Azerbaijan’s actions and seeking clarification of its intentions. Despite ongoing tensions, Azerbaijani authorities have expressed willingness to improve relations with France, suggesting that progress may be more feasible after President Macron’s term ends.