Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel will develop regardless of the results of parliamentary elections in Israel, Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz told journalists on Wednesday.

"We can see that over the past 20 years, there have been special and unique relations between the two countries which are appreciated in Israel. We have a lot in common and this relationship is good and it will continue to be good regardless of the results of parliamentary elections in Israel," Harpaz added.

In connection with parliamentary elections in Israel a ballot box was placed in the country's embassy in Azerbaijan for Israeli diplomats accredited in Baku and other official representatives of Israel in Azerbaijan, and Ambassador Harpaz voted in his country's parliamentary elections.

Harpaz praised the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel in 2012.

"We have a very good political relationship," Harpaz underlined. "I think Azerbaijan is playing a very constructive role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council."

Azerbaijan and Israel are focusing on many themes, and there are four areas that will be relevant: telecommunications, agriculture, water supply and medical technologies, the ambassador said.

According to Harpaz, there is also a great opportunity to expand relations in the energy sector.

"We discovered a lot of natural gas offshore in Israel and it is important for us to learn Azerbaijan's experience in energy [development]," Harpaz said.

He said the Israeli private sector takes a lot of interest in Azerbaijan. He also said he sees a bright future for both countries.

Israel recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on December 25, 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on April 6, 1992.

Azerbaijan plans to sign an agreement on canceling double taxation, cooperation in agriculture, an agreement on simplification of visa regime for persons with diplomatic and service passports.

Harpaz said earlier that trade turnover between the two countries was $4 billion and it is planned to establish the Israel-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce for development of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

According to the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan, about 42,000 Jews live in Azerbaijan.