 France's military mission in Armenia raises concerns amidst tensions in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan. In the wake of the Second Karabakh War, the geopolitical picture of the South Caucasus has undergone profound shifts with France and some Western nations adopting strategies that are raising eyebrows in Baku. Head of the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, Ali Nadyev has voiced apprehensions regarding France's recent establishment of a military mission in Armenia suggesting that it could potentially escalate tensions and even provoke another conflict. Speaking at an event commemorating the 105th anniversary of Azerbaijan's security agencies, Nadyev pointed out that rather than fostering peace, France's actions seem to be fueling instability by supplying weapons and ammunition to Armenia, which has occupied Azerbaijani territories for decades. Nadyev's concerns are reported by Interfax Azerbaijan highlight the perceived threat of France's covert activities aimed at destabilizing the region. The decision by Paris to deploy a military mission in Armenia has been interpreted by Azerbaijani authorities as a provocative move signaling France's intention to turn the South Caucasus into a battleground. Nadyev accuses France of not only arming Armenia but also engaging in clandestine operations through its intelligence service, allegedly forming spy networks that undermine Azerbaijan's security interests. Nadyev emphasized the vigilance of Azerbaijan's State Security Service in uncovering and countering such threats. He pledged to take necessary measures to safeguard the country against potential destabilization efforts orchestrated by external actors. The rhetoric underscores Azerbaijan's determination to defend its sovereignty amidst growing regional tensions. In addition to addressing external threats, Nadyev highlighted the role of Azerbaijan's security system in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime. He pointed to the expansion of international relations as a crucial aspect of the State Security Service's operational effectiveness, emphasizing cooperation with nearly 100 intelligence agencies worldwide. If the official photos are anything to go by, Emmanuel Macron's three-day trip to Brazil has been more romantic getaway than international diplomacy. Macron's trip to Brazil left him swooning, according to social media. In one photo released on 78-year-old Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula des Silva social media channels, the two beaming heads of state can be seen clasping hands on a boat while gazing out at the Guama River. In another, they appear to be blightly skipping under the Amazon canopy. There were hugs and handshakes of plenty, smiles and selfies, too. Lula on Thursday bestowed the highest honor for a non-citizen on Macron, draping a medal around his neck. Brazilian social media gobbled up the bonomy with gusto, and users posted photos of the duo that many said looked more like a wedding album than a state visit. On the last evening of his trip, Macron joined in, associated press informs. Some people compared the images of my visit to Brazil with those of a wedding, and I say to them, it was a wedding, he posted on X along with a photo of himself and Lula Photoshopped onto the movie poster from La La Land in place of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. France loves Brazil and Brazil loves France. Lula replied to his post with the flags of their two nations and an emoji of swirling hearts. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati mistook an aide to Georgia Maloney for the Italian Prime Minister herself when a delegation from Rome arrived in Beirut, Makati was waiting on the tarmac at Beirut Airport for the Italian leader to descend the stairs from her plane, according to the national news. As one of Maloney's delegation descended ahead of her, Makati greeted her with a kiss on each cheek, apparently thinking she was the Italian Prime Minister that he was quickly informed that he had instead greeted Maloney's personal assistant Patricia Scurdi, who looked somewhat similar to her, the Italian Prime Minister exited the plane soon after, and was greeted with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek by Makati. National news notes that Maloney is in Beirut amid the continuing cross-border conflict on. Lebanon's southern border between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Italian Nova News Agency reported that Maloney reaffirmed her country's commitment to supporting Lebanon's stability. Maloney also stressed the need to avoid the risk of escalation along the border with Israel and expressed her support for any initiative aimed at an immediate truce, according to the news agency.