Political tensions stemming from France's support for Armenia and its accusations against Azerbaijan resurfaced at the COP29 climate summit. But what is driving the ongoing tension between the two sides? Euronews asks in a news report.

COP29 climate summit opened with a diplomatic incident in Azerbaijan, where host President Ilham Aliyev sparked tensions with France by accusing President Emmanuel Macron’s government of committing “crimes” in its overseas territories.

"The lessons of France's crimes in these so-called overseas territories would not be complete without mentioning the regime's recent human rights violations," Aliyev said.

France's Minister of Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate and Risk Prevention, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, canceled her participation in COP29 in Baku, calling Aliyev's attacks "unacceptable."

Experts say the rising tensions between Paris and Baku stem from France’s strong support for Armenia in its territorial conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

“This is a largely political move by Azerbaijan to push back against France for its strong support of Armenia,” Teona Lavrelashvili told Euronews. "These tensions are largely political. And this is an attempt by Azerbaijan to retaliate against France for its exceptional and significant support for Armenia."

The European affairs specialist highlighted that France has provided diplomatic, financial, and even military aid to Armenia, especially during the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Macron has repeatedly called on Aliyev to fulfill the decision of the International Court of Justice and ensure the safe and unimpeded return of its Armenian population to Nagorno Karabakh, who left the enclave as a result of Azerbaijan's military operations.