Yitzhak Herzog became the first Israeli head of state to visit Azerbaijan. He met with his counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, at the presidential palace on the Caspian Sea on Tuesday. Both agreed that relations between the two countries should be expanded.
Aliyev told the newspaper "Yediot Aharonot": "Your visit demonstrates the closeness and common ground between us. I am sure it will strengthen our relations." He added that the opening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Israel at the end of March would also contribute to this. "We want to learn and utilize Israel's positive experience in various fields."
The Azerbaijani president also addressed the issue of cybersecurity at the meeting in the capital, Baku: "We are very pleased that there is now cooperation between the states." Aliyev added: "Azerbaijanis living in Israel are building bridges between the states." Jews have always been an important part of society and remain so to this day.
Duke: Fulfillment of a dream
Herzog said: “Visiting Azerbaijan is a dream come true for me and for the citizens of my country. This visit is very important for Israelis and for the shared relationship between the Azerbaijani and Israeli people.” He added that the relationship is based on deep roots. “The Jewish community has existed here for hundreds of years and has made a significant contribution to the history of Azerbaijan throughout the world.”
There are approximately 25,000 Jews living in Azerbaijan. About 75 percent of them reside in the capital city.
The Israeli head of state added: “It is no secret that your state is Muslim with a Shiite majority. And yet, the love and affection that exists between our states is an example of how we can change the world and move forward.”
Desire for more direct flights
One topic of discussion was direct flights between the two countries. Currently, there are four per week. The number is to be increased.
Israeli Health Minister Moshe Arbel (Shass) was part of the delegation. He signed an agreement on closer cooperation in the healthcare sector.
Herzog laid a wreath at the grave of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of modern Azerbaijan. He wrote on Twitter that the former president had paved the way for warm relations with Israel.
Celebration of the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel
On Tuesday evening, a reception was held at the Haider Aliyev Cultural Center to mark Israel's 75th Independence Day. The event also celebrated 30 years of bilateral relations. Among the approximately 400 guests were Speaker of Parliament Sahiba Gafarova (New Azerbaijan), ministers, and members of parliament. Members of the Jewish community and businesspeople also attended the celebration.
Baku is located about 100 kilometers from the Iranian border. During Herzog's visit, numerous security forces were deployed. Furthermore, special precautions were taken. For example, the Israelis selected their accommodation from a list of hotels only at the last minute in order to confuse the enemy. Members of the delegation were urgently instructed not to use mobile phones to avoid being tracked. (Israelnetz)
