Azerbaijanis always maintained fraternal ties with Jews
By Amina Nazarli
The relations between Azerbaijan and Israel were mulled as Mubariz Gurbanli, the Head of the State Committee for Work with Religious Institutions, met with Israel's ambassador Rafael Harpaz on October 22.
Appraising the historical roots between the two countries, they voiced need to preserve and develop the existing relations and cooperation between the two sides.
Harpaz said Azerbaijanis have always had fraternal relations with the Jews.
The ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the attention paid to the Jews in Azerbaijan, a high level of relations between the state and religion as well.
Gurbanli, in turn, stressed that the Jews have never faced problems in Azerbaijan on religious or ethnic grounds.
The Azerbaijani and Jewish peoples have a long tradition of tolerance and interaction. Estimated 9,000 Jews in the country are "fully part" of Azerbaijani society.
Several synagogues are operating in the capital of Azerbaijan, as well as in Guba and Oguz regions. Synagogue, opened in Baku in 2003 is one of the largest in Europe. In September 2003, the first Jewish school was opened in Baku.
Israel recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan very shortly after the official dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel were established in April 1992.
The strategic relationship included cooperation in trade and security matters, cultural and educational exchanges
Azerbaijan and Israel are focusing on many areas, and the four areas that relevant are telecommunications, agriculture, water supply and medical technologies.