"Quiet diplomacy": Azerbaijan's role as mediator between Türkiye, Israel

Amid historical developments in Syria, Baku's "quiet diplomacy" recently took centre stage with the visit of Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev to Israel, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

This diplomatic gesture highlights the growing regional complexities. 

Currently, Türkiye, a close ally of Azerbaijan, and Israel, a strategic partner of Baku, find themselves in a unique situation — effectively bordering each other in Syria. Amid escalating tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv, analysts are raising concerns about the potential for heightened conflict between the two states.

One of the key objectives behind Hajiyev's visit could have been to serve as a mediator between Türkiye and Israel, helping to avoid misunderstandings or incidents. In this delicate situation, Azerbaijan, with its balanced relations with both Türkiye and Israel, is well-positioned to act as a neutral broker, ensuring stability in a region already fraught with tension.

To recall, Hikmet Hajiyev met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on December 9 in Tel Aviv. The sides discussed bilateral cooperation and regional developments. On the same day, Hajiyev met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and South Caucasus, as well as regional security.

By Khagan Isayev