Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Azerbaijan and Israel will sign an agreement on simplification of the visa regime for persons with diplomatic and service passports, Baku-based Trend news agency reported on September 24, citing Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafael Harpaz.

He stressed that the document is planned to be signed in October 2013.

According to Harpaz, the two countries can sign the agreement on visa regime facilitation for average citizens in the future.

Furthermore, Harpaz said that Azerbaijan and Israel are preparing to sign an agreement on canceling double taxation in December.

The ambassador believes that signing of this agreement will strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

So far Azerbaijan has signed agreements on avoidance of double taxation with 43 countries.

"Visits and events are expected in the coming year which will strengthen cooperation between our countries," Harpaz said. "Israel will be represented by a large delegation at the Bakutel 2013 exhibition."

Some 14 Israeli companies will arrive in Baku to participate in the 19th International Telecommunications and Information Technologies Exhibition and Conference, which will be held on December 2-5.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel were established in April 1992.

In 2012, the trade turnover between the two countries was $4 billion.

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

Israel recently discovered gas fields onshore and intends to use the experience of Azerbaijan in this regard. Israel is also willing to assist Azerbaijan in the diversification of its economy.

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