Tourism, trust, and tradition: Azerbaijan’s growing bond with Israel Envoy Mammadov hails ties between nations

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Israel, Mukhtar Mammadov, says Azerbaijani-Israeli relations are entering a new and promising phase, with growing mutual interest and increasing opportunities for cooperation across various sectors.

Speaking to Israeli television channel i24, the ambassador emphasised that the future of bilateral relations is bright and built on solid foundations of friendship, mutual respect, and shared values, Caliber.Az reports, citing local press.

“There is great potential for developing cooperation across a wide range of areas, for exchanging experience, and implementing joint projects,” Mammadov said.

He singled out tourism as one of the most promising areas of partnership and a powerful tool for deepening ties between the peoples of the two countries.

“Interest among Israeli citizens in Azerbaijan is growing rapidly. For example, many Israelis recently spent the Passover holiday in Baku and other regions of the country,” the ambassador noted. “Today, there is intensive air travel between the two countries. Azerbaijan’s national carrier AZAL operates 14 flights per week between Baku and Tel Aviv. Israeli carriers are also flying between our cities. These visits allow people to better understand and learn about one another.”

Ambassador Mammadov also underscored the historical and societal roots of Azerbaijani-Israeli friendship, pointing to the absence of antisemitism in Azerbaijani society as a critical factor that strengthens mutual trust.

“There has been an active Jewish community living in our country for centuries. Today, it numbers more than 16,000 people,” he said. “Azerbaijan has long fostered traditions of neighbourliness and coexistence with other peoples. There is no xenophobia or ethnic hatred in our society. We call it Azerbaijani multiculturalism. Our country has historically been a crossroads of many cultures, religions, and ethnic groups. All this experience has contributed to the fact that the Azerbaijani people accept others as they are. Naturally, there is no antisemitism in Azerbaijan, and we proudly say there never has been.”

The ambassador also reflected on the support Azerbaijan received from Israel during the 2020 war for the liberation of its occupied territories, known in Azerbaijan as the Patriotic War.

“Azerbaijan will never forget Israel’s support during that time,” Mammadov stressed. “The Azerbaijani people remember this gesture. During the war, Israeli flags could be seen all across the country. Israel stood with Azerbaijan when we needed it most.”

By Tamilla Hasanova