Israel steps up engagement with Azerbaijan through high-level visits

Several high-ranking Israeli officials are set to visit Baku in June, signaling a continued strengthening of ties between Israel and Azerbaijan.

Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer will make an official trip to Azerbaijan on June 10, Caliber.Az reports via AIA Global News. 

Later in the month, on June 25, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana is expected to visit Baku for a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart. 

These visits follow a recent meeting in Tel Aviv between Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries. 

On March 5, Simon Moshiashvili, a member of the Knesset from the Shas party, which is part of Netanyahu's government, made a policy statement in parliament regarding the strategic partnership between Israel and Azerbaijan. In coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister, he declared: “…The time has come to elevate the relationship between the two states—Israel and Azerbaijan—to a new level. It is desirable and crucial to turn the model of close relations between Israel and this Muslim-Shiite state into a model for the expansion of the Abraham Accords. To reinforce this model, it may be appropriate to include Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords framework.”

Speaking in the Knesset on March 5, Minister of Jewish Settlements and National Missions Orit Strock emphasized the strength of Israel-Azerbaijan relations: “The ties between Israel and Azerbaijan are built on a partnership rooted in shared interests and a long-standing friendship. Azerbaijan is a key strategic ally of Israel in the Caucasus region… Israel maintains an ongoing dialogue with Azerbaijan on a wide range of topics, including security and diplomatic consultations. This dialogue is also reflected in high-level bilateral visits.”

By Naila Huseynova