Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Azerbaijan- Israel ties are developing in all areas, particularly economy and politics, Azerbaijan's Parliamentary Speaker said.

Ogtay Asadov made the remark at a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on May 1.

Asadov said trade turnover between the two countries reached more than $1.3 billion in 2013, adding that seven documents were signed and six documents are expected to be signed between Azerbaijan and Israel.

Pointing to the role of the Azerbaijan-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he expressed confidence that bilateral trades would increase.

Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Asadov lauded Israel's support for Azerbaijan's position and territorial integrity.

Lieberman, in turn, praised bilateral relations and said there were good opportunities for boosting cooperation even further, stressing the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation in strengthening the bilateral ties.

The Israeli foreign minister met with Parliament's Deputy Speaker Valeh Alasgarov and members of the international relations standing committee afterwards.

The meeting discussed bilateral relations in various fields, particularly communication technologies, science, medicine, and innovations.

Alasgarov expressed confidence that Lieberman's visit would contribute to the development of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, while Lieberman noted the importance of developing bilateral relations and praised the presence of a strong Azerbaijani Diaspora in Israel and a Jewish community in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov received a delegation led by Israeli Foreign Minister on May 2.

During the meeting they discussed bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Israel, the military-political situation in the region and occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia.

The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

Israeli ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafael Harpaz also attended the meeting.

Talking to journalists, the Israeli Foreign Minister said Azerbaijan, a friendly country for Israel, is an example of tolerance.

He went on to add that the Jews living in Azerbaijan have always felt comfortable, even during the Holocaust.

The minister said relations between Israel and Azerbaijan are now at the highest level, adding that the number of Baku-Tel Aviv flights may increas when there are enough passengers.

Responding to the possible participation of Israel in the OSCE Minsk Group, Lieberman said such a proposal had not been made.

"However, if there is a proposal, Tel Aviv is ready to consider it," Lieberman said.

Referring to the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran, the Israeli Foreign Minister said his country does not interfere in the affairs of other states, and each state follows its own interests.

Responding to a question about the possibility of balancing Israel's foreign policy between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Minister said the Israeli government and parliament have a general strategic line, and no one can change this line in accordance with their views and sympathies.

"If you look at the regularity of meetings between the representatives of Israel and Azerbaijan and the level of bilateral cooperation and trade turnover, then everything will be clear for you," Lieberman added.

He also spoke about the meetings between the representatives of the two states, stressing that the foundation of excellent bilateral ties was laid during Heydar Aliyev's leadership, and President Ilham Aliyev is continuing this course.

"Bilateral meetings between Ilham Aliyev, Shimon Peres, and Benjamin Netanyahu in Davos became an important stage in our ties. Last year, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister paid a visit to Israel. It was a very successful meeting. Israel and Azerbaijan intend to undertake joint activities," Lieberman added.

Earlier, Lieberman was received by Azerbaijani President and Foreign Minister.