Outgoing Israeli envoy hails historic growth in Azerbaijan ties during six-year tenure

Israeli Ambassador George Deeck reflected on the evolving bilateral relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan, highlighting the significant changes Azerbaijan has experienced over the past six years.

"These have been years of historic transformation for Azerbaijan, for Israel, and for the partnership between our countries," the ambassador stated, according to local media.

He described his diplomatic mission as deeply meaningful, particularly noting the honor of visiting the territories liberated by Azerbaijan.

"It was an honour for me to be the first Israeli ambassador to Karabakh, to see Shusha, Fuzuli, and Kalbajar," Deek said, emphasising the symbolic importance of that visit.

Turning to economic cooperation, Ambassador Deek pointed out a notable surge in non-energy trade between the two countries over recent years.

“We have more than doubled the volume of trade between our countries in non-energy sectors from $121 million to $243 million between 2021 and 2024,” he noted.

He also underscored the rapidly growing tourism exchange, pointing to record-setting numbers of Israeli visitors to Azerbaijan.

“In 2025, we expect to break the record of 50,000 Israeli tourists [to Azerbaijan], possibly even doubling it. Today, AZAL operates two direct flights a day, 14 flights a week. This is unprecedented in the history of our tourism,” Deek said, referencing the daily flights operated by Azerbaijan's national carrier.

Energy cooperation remains a vital pillar of bilateral ties, he added. “Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR has made strategic investments in Israel, acquiring a 10% stake in one of our largest gas fields, Tamar, and together with bp won a tender for gas exploration on Israel's shelf in Zone I,” the ambassador explained.

In addition to energy and trade, the ambassador noted ongoing collaboration in water management. He said Israel's national water company, Mekorot, is actively cooperating with Azerbaijan’s water management agency, further broadening the scope of bilateral partnerships.

George Deek was appointed as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan in 2018, making history as Israel’s first Arab Christian ambassador. His appointment reflected Israel’s growing emphasis on inclusive diplomacy and regional outreach. Born in Jaffa in 1984 to an Eastern Orthodox Arab Christian family, Deek is known for his strong advocacy of coexistence and intercultural dialogue.

A Fulbright scholar, Deek studied law at the Interdisciplinary Centre Herzliya (now Reichman University) and later at Georgetown University. He joined the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2008, serving in various diplomatic posts in Nigeria and Norway before his appointment to Baku.

Throughout his six-year tenure, Deek was instrumental in expanding Israeli–Azerbaijani ties across multiple sectors — energy, trade, defence, agriculture, and technology. 

As he departs Baku in 2025, Deek leaves behind a strengthened bilateral relationship, marked by strategic cooperation and deepened people-to-people exchanges.

By Tamilla Hasanova