MP offers to open Azerbaijani embassy in Israel
A member of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani parliament) has said it is time to open an Azerbaijani embassy in Israel.
"It is high time to remove obstacles for the opening of an embassy," Rasim Musabeyov said during a meeting with representatives of the Israeli media on Monday in Baku.
"There is a certain approach of the Muslim countries whose support we need to have the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan recognized within international organizations. However, this issue is on the agenda and I believe it will find its solution. It would be right to open a trade mission or a consulate in the first phase, then an embassy. Israel is home to about 100,000 people from Azerbaijan. Opening an embassy would facilitate their arrival in our country," the lawmaker said.
However, according to Musabeyov, the absence of an embassy does not interfere with the development of bilateral relations. He pointed out that there are many opportunities in this respect.
The MP stressed that Azerbaijan considers Israel its strategic partner.
"The two countries cooperate closely in many areas, particularly in the defense industry. Azerbaijan meets 40 per cent of Israel's demand for oil. Moreover, Israel has discovered large reserves of gas, while Azerbaijan has extensive experience in the development of oil and gas fields and cooperation is also possible in this regard. Moreover, a promising area of joint activity is tourism," Musabeyov said.
According to another MP, Fuad Muradov, Azerbaijani-Israeli relations are at a high level and will undoubtedly continue to develop.
"Most of the population of Azerbaijan are Muslims, but it does not prevent the development of relations with Israel. Azerbaijan is a secular country where religion is separate from the state. The visit of Israeli journalists is very important and will contribute to the development of relations between the two countries," Muradov said.
According to Azerbaijan-Israel Friendship and Cultural Relations Society representative Lev Spivak, the Hebrew-speaking group of journalists, who arrived in Baku, were tremendously impressed by the city and in particular, the parliament building.
Spivak said this is the first official visit of Israeli journalists to Azerbaijan. He said the journalists will also visit the regions of the country, expressing hope such visits will continue in the future.