Israel Sees Great Potential in Cooperation with Azerbaijan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees great potential in joint cooperation with Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority country. In a statement made December 13th in the first visit of the Israeli top official to Azerbaijan as prime minister,

“Israel is a Jewish state. Azerbaijan is a Muslim state, it has a predominately Muslim population. Here you have an example of Muslims and Jews working together to secure a better future for both of us. It is an example that shines against a background of intolerance and lack of acceptance and mutual respect in our time.” –  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a joint press conference with President Aliyev

As part of this historic visit, PM Netanyahu and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed a range of documents aimed at strengthening agricultural cooperation as well as avoiding double taxation. In addition, the heads of state agreed to establish an Israeli-Azerbaijani commission that will outline the development of cooperation in the spheres of economy, science, trade and health. Israel is also interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in the fields of information technology (IT) and trade, according to PM Netanyahu.

President Aliyev and PM Netanyahu also discussed Azerbaijan’s oil and gas resources. Energy production is of great interest to Israel as it is the second largest importer of Azerbaijani oil. In addition, Israel is considering the possibility of gas supplies from Azerbaijan to Israel through the Southern Gas Corridor network of pipelines, which are scheduled to be finished during 2018-2019.

Other topics discussed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Baku included tourism, which can be used by Azerbaijan and Israel to expand their long-term cooperation.

“I am sure the opening of direct air services should facilitate tourist flows in both directions,” said President Aliyev.

Cooperation in the defense industry was also discussed during the visit and, according to President Aliyev,

“the contracts between Azerbaijani and Israeli companies with respect to purchasing defense equipment are close to $5 billion.”