Israel seeking to take advantage of Azerbaijan's experience in energy
By Nigar Orujova
Israel is planning to take advantages of Azerbaijan's extensive experience in the energy sector.
Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafael Harpaz told Trend Agency on January 22 that Israel has not enough experience in the energy sector.
"Israel discovered large reserves of natural gas under the sea. We are keen to use Azerbaijan's experience in this sphere. We are considering exporting 40 percent of the gas reserves," he said.
Currently, Israel has very few experts in the gas sector. Therefore, Azerbaijan's proficiency will be valuable for the country.
Harpaz expressed hope that the company Caspian Drilling will continue its activities in Israel. "We are really at the initial stage, and this cooperation is very important for us."
Israel offers experience in education
In turn, Israel has rich experience in the education sector, he said.
"That is why we are really interested in sharing our experience with you in medical and technology spheres. We are also interested in bringing our technologies to Azerbaijan. We see more and more Azerbaijanis go to Israel to do training in various areas, including the medicine. This is definitely an area we can cooperate," Harpaz stressed.
Speaking about the exchange of medical staff between the two countries, he said that this important issue has few aspects.
"I have been to a few well-equipped hospitals. We have signed an agreement with Oncological Hospital a few months ago. Now we are developing a working plan of trainings for them in 2014," Harpaz said.
In addition to this agreement, Israel and Azerbaijan have also signed a bilateral agreement on elimination of visa for diplomats and people with service passports, he added.
"This is a very important agreement. It is now in the process of ratification. I guess it will enter into force by the middle of the year. Thus, relations between two countries are very good, and the high-level meetings will take place soon," Harpaz said.
Friendly relations develop
"There is a friendly and close political relation between Israel and Azerbaijan, as well as close cooperation in economics and energy," he said. "We have a strong Azerbaijani community in Israel and Jewish community here."
Tolerance in Azerbaijan is higher than in any other country, Harpaz stressed. "I have not seen a country which has such a high tolerance as Azerbaijan".
He noted that Jews has lived in Azerbaijan peacefully and safely for thousands years.
"We appreciate it a lot. Jews are proud to live in Azerbaijan, well-connected to this country and this is something very special," Harpaz added.
Touching upon the issue of developing Israeli-Azerbaijani relations in tourism, he noted the enormous tourism potential of Azerbaijan.
"You have a wonderful country with beautiful natural scenes. I have been in Shaki, Zagatala, Gabala, Guba, Sumgayit, Nakhchivan, Gobustan and they are beautiful. I think infrastructure has dramatically improved," Harpaz said.
He added that tourism will become a very significant part of Azerbaijan's economy in a short time.