President's visit to France - UPDATED

Azerbaijani President was welcomed by the representatives of French government and Azerbaijani Embassy in France.

The President will have one-on-one meeting with his French counterpart and later banquet will be organized in honor of Ilham Aliyev in Yelisey Palace, APA reports.

The President is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov, Emergencies Minister Kemaleddin Heydarov, Minister of Economic Development and other representatives of the government and businessmen.

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23:16

Azerbaijani President was welcomed by French Defence minister Michele Alliot-Marie and representatives of Azerbaijani embassy in France.

Ilham Aliyev laid a wreath to the central square of Paris. Then Azerbaijani delegation arrived in Yelisey palace where the meeting of Azerbaijani and French presidents started.

The improvement of bilateral relations between the countries and the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict were discussed at the meeting. President Jacques Chirac presented Order of Honor to President Ilham Aliyev.

Then there will be an official banquet. A number of agreements, including a joint statement by the presidents are expected to be signed within the visit.

The President is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov, Emergencies Minister Kemaleddin Heydarov, Minister of Economic Development Heydar Babayev and other members of the government and businessmen.

Ilham Aliyev is going to dine with Prime Minister Dominique de Villpine, and meet with President of the French Senate Mr. Christian Ponsele, Jean-Louis Debre, President of French National Assembly, French Foreign Minister Phillip Dust-Blazi, French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, Minister of Agriculture and Fishing Dominique Bussereau, Minister Delegate for Veterans' Affairs Hamlaoui Mekachera, Mayor of Paris Bertran Delanoe on January 30.

January 31 Ilham Aliyev will arrive in Lill, meet with Nord Pa d' Kale region leadership and heads of enterprises and will return to Baku.

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Mayor of Paris gives reception in honour of Azerbaijani President.

The Head of the state was welcomed by Mayor of Paris Bertran Delanoe. After the meeting with the mayor a reception was given in honour of the Azerbaijani President.

Azerbaijani President is also expected to meet with the Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin, President of the French Senate Mr. Christian Ponsele, President of French National Assembly Jean-Louis Debre, French Foreign Minister Phillip Dust-Blazi, French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, Minister of Agriculture and Fishing Dominique Bussereau, Minister Delegate for Veterans' Affairs Hamlaoui Mekachera today.

Several agreements are expected to be signed within the visit.
 
The President is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov, Emergencies Minister Kemaleddin Heydarov, Minister of Economic Development Heydar Babayev and other members of the government and businessmen.