French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accused an Azerbaijani organization of engaging in provocative activities in France’s overseas territories, prompting a sharp response from Baku and a new exchange between French and Azerbaijani diplomats. Speaking on October 13 at the OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy in Paris, Barrot criticized what he described as foreign efforts to exploit political divisions and destabilize democratic societies. Azerbaijan rejected the allegations the following day, describing them as unfounded and accusing France of maintaining a confrontational approach towards Baku.

Without naming the organization directly, Barrot referred to an Azerbaijani group holding conferences in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, that he accused of calling for revolt in France’s overseas territories and circulating provocative constitutional proposals. His remarks appeared to target the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), an organization established to promote the rights and self-determination of peoples it considers affected by colonialism and neocolonialism. Barrot cited the group alongside other alleged attempts to manipulate public debate, including an Israeli company accused of creating fake French social media accounts and online harassment campaigns targeting European leaders.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada rejected Barrot’s allegations on October 14, insisting that Baku had not interfered in the struggle of people in New Caledonia or other French overseas territories for their rights.He argued that portraying organizations and groups with differing views on France’s overseas policies as instruments of foreign interference disregarded the concerns and aspirations of the populations involved. Hajizada called on French officials to end unfounded accusations and respect the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs. He also criticized France’s own record on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Baku’s official response framed Barrot’s remarks as evidence that Paris remained unwilling to abandon confrontational rhetoric towards Azerbaijan.

French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Sophie Lagoutte subsequently challenged Baku’s reaction, expressing surprise that the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry felt targeted by the remarks and responded so negatively.