Israeli ambassador discusses religious life with Christian communities in Baku

Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ronen Krausz has held a series of meetings with leaders of Christian communities in the country, underscoring the role of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in Azerbaijan’s diverse society.

The Israeli Embassy in Baku announced the meetings in a statement published on its official X page.

“Ambassador Ronen Krausz held a series of meetings with Christian leaders in Azerbaijan, reflecting the country’s rich tradition of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect,” the embassy’s statement said.

At the Orthodox Religious and Cultural Centre, Krausz met with Bishop Aleksiy of Baku and Azerbaijan. Their conversation focused on the life of the Orthodox community and Azerbaijan’s model of interreligious dialogue. In a separate meeting, the ambassador held talks with Protoiereus Mefodi Afandiyev of the Church of Archangel Michael, continuing discussions on the role of the Orthodox community within the country’s multicultural society.

Krausz also visited the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church, where he met with Bishop Vladimir Fekete. According to the embassy, the talks centred on the Catholic community’s life in Azerbaijan, the high level of interfaith cooperation, and the support and attention provided to the Catholic Church by the state.

Ambassador Krausz was appointed to his post on January 13, 2025. Prior to his arrival in Baku, he served as director of the Eurasian Department at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His appointment, along with those of 11 other diplomats to ambassadorial and consular positions abroad, was unanimously approved by the Israeli government following recommendations from the Committee for the Appointment of Heads of Foreign Missions and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Diplomatic relations between Israel and Azerbaijan were established in 1992, with Israel opening its embassy in Baku the following year. Since then, the partnership between the two countries has expanded significantly.

Israel has become one of Azerbaijan’s key economic partners, ranking as the second-largest importer of Azerbaijani oil, while the bilateral relationship has also grown stronger in the defence sector, developing into a strategic partnership that continues to deepen.

By Tamilla Hasanova