Azerbaijani embassy in Israel to boost bilateral military-technical cooperation
Knesset deputies in touch with Caliber.Az

INTERVIEWS  01 November 2022 - 14:49

"I welcome Azerbaijan's intention to open an embassy in Israel. This step will bring the relations between the two states to a qualitatively new level."

Bardach-Yalova, a Knesset member from the Our Home Israel party, and the head of the Israel-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Association, said in an interview with Caliber.Az to comment on the information that has recently appeared in the Israeli media, which, referring to some high-ranking Israeli officials reported that Baku and Tel Aviv are conducting intensive talks on opening an embassy. It is noted that all delays are mainly related to technical issues.

"This step will bring the relations between the two states to a qualitatively new level and will allow us to intensify mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres. It should be noted that the head of the Our Home Israel party, Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman is rightfully considered one of the main architects of Israeli-Azerbaijani interstate relations.

During meetings with my Azerbaijani colleagues, including Chairman of the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora Fuad Muradov and MP Anatoliy Rafailov, who heads the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Association the Israel-Azerbaijan interparliamentary friendship association from Azerbaijan, I have repeatedly raised the topic of the speedy opening of the embassy, and I am glad that there is progress in this matter," Elina Bardach-Yalova said.

In an interview with Caliber.Az, Knesset deputy from the Yesh Atid party Vladimir Belyak noted that the Azerbaijani embassy opening in Israel would give a new impetus to bilateral relations.

"I welcome the Azerbaijani government's intention to open an embassy in Israel. Our countries have very warm, friendly relations, including cultural, and economic, in the field of military industry. I believe that there are many opportunities for further deepening and developing these ties at the regional and other levels. Therefore, if the Azerbaijani embassy in Israel is opened, it will give a new impetus to our relations and, of course, this is a positive step," Knesset deputy Vladimir Belyak said.

In turn, the lecturer of the Department of Political Science at Bar-Ilan University, Dr Eli Rettig, also welcomed the information about the possible Azerbaijani embassy opening in Israel.

"Azerbaijan's intention to open an embassy in Israel is another sign of strengthening relations between the two countries, which are already very positive. For Israel, Azerbaijan is the largest oil supplier and an important partner in curbing Iran's regional aspirations. For Azerbaijan, Israel is an important source of advanced weapons systems, including drones.

At the beginning of last month, the Israeli defence minister visited Azerbaijan and announced that the two countries intend to expand their strategic relations, which will probably include arms trade.

But it's not just about cold geopolitical interests. Israeli officials often mention that Jews in Azerbaijan have always been respected and protected and that Baku has consistently maintained good ties with Israel, even when Israeli-Turkish relations have deteriorated. Thus, Israel is interested in maintaining these relations with Azerbaijan," Dr Eli Rettig said.

According to Galia Lindenstraus, senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (Israel), Azerbaijan's plans to open an embassy in Israel were positively received by Israeli society.

"This is really very good news. In light of the excellent relations between our states, it was unusual that Baku did not have an embassy in Israel.

The opening of the embassy is an important symbol and a sign of faith that relations between the two countries will continue to flourish. The states already have close defence and energy ties, and economic relations and ties between our peoples can develop further. The presence of the Azerbaijani embassy in Israel will contribute to this," Galiya Lindenstraus said.

Caliber.Az