Azerbaijani president, Israeli foreign minister discuss business, AI, energy PHOTO / UPDATED

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on January 26 to discuss ways to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, the leaders reflected on a recent encounter between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Israel at the Davos forum, where key bilateral issues were discussed, Caliber.Az reports, citing state media.

They highlighted the steady development of relations between the two countries across a range of sectors, including trade, energy, tourism, agriculture, water management, high technology, and artificial intelligence. Both leaders emphasised the importance of mutual visits and regular contacts at different levels in strengthening cooperation.

The meeting also reviewed the work of the intergovernmental commission, which recently held its latest session. Saar, accompanied by representatives from business and professional circles, noted that an Azerbaijan-Israel business forum scheduled during his visit would further boost economic ties. He also thanked President Aliyev for supporting the Jewish community in Azerbaijan.

The discussion concluded with an exchange of views on other areas of mutual interest.

In a post on social media platform X following the meeting, Saar described Aliyev as a “a visionary leader, leading his nation to impressive achievements.” 

The President of Azerbaijan @azpresident İlham Əliyev, is a visionary leader, leading his nation to impressive achievements.
We had a fascinating meeting in Baku, and I thanked the President for his friendship and support for Jewish life in Azerbaijan.
I arrived in Baku with a… pic.twitter.com/4Dhuu4fpDV

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) January 26, 2026

“We had a fascinating meeting in Baku, and I thanked the President for his friendship and support for Jewish life in Azerbaijan. 

I arrived in Baku with a high-level business-economic delegation of Israeli companies and economic organizations across many sectors. 

Our mutual goal is to deepen our partnership in energy, defense, water, agriculture, tourism and more.

We’re strengthening our strategic relations!” the minister wrote.

By Vugar Khalilov