The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has strongly refuted claims made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Azerbaijan and Turkey's alleged refusal to participate in the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain.

The ministry labeled Macron's statements as false and criticized them as "an example of hypocrisy."

In response to Macron's remarks during a press conference in Granada, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry clarified that it was the French side that opposed Turkey's participation in the meeting, contrary to the French president's claims. The ministry characterized Macron's dissemination of false information as an inappropriate approach for a head of state.

Additionally, Baku responded to France's calls to exert pressure on Azerbaijan, stating, "Talking to Azerbaijan in the language of pressure is senseless and unacceptable." The ministry suggested that instead of making "irresponsible statements," France should end its policy of supporting and arming Armenia, which hinders peace and stability in the region.

Azerbaijani Presidential Aide for Foreign Policy Hikmet Hajiyev previously announced that Baku had declined to send representatives to the Granada meeting due to France's biased position and objections to Turkey's participation. The summit was scheduled for October 5, and a meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was planned on its sidelines.

According to reports, there was an attempt to organize "two-plus-three" negotiations involving Paris, Berlin, and Brussels. Azerbaijan proposed the inclusion of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the talks, but the meeting was ultimately canceled. The situation adds to the ongoing diplomatic complexities in the region, with tensions persisting between Azerbaijan and Armenia. (ILKHA)