Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Azerbaijan and Israel enjoyed very good relations in 2014, the country's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafael Harpaz told Trend Agency on January 7.

He said last year, there were several meetings between the two countries’ leaders which are signs of good relations.

“There were a lot of positive developments in terms of political and economic ties,” Harpaz added.

The ambassador noted Azerbaijan and Israel signed several agreements in 2014, and expressed hope that more positive developments unfold in the new year.

“We hope to sign few agreements in the economic area,” he said, adding that the two countries are at the final stage of approving a standardization agreement and a double taxation avoidance deal.

The ambassador believes tourism is a very important area for cooperation.

“Direct flights between Azerbaijan and the US are very attractive and there are already many Israelis and Jews using these flights,” he said.

Azerbaijan and Israel have engaged in intense cooperation since 1992. Azerbaijan is one of the few majority Muslim countries to develop bilateral strategic and economic relations with Israel.

The strategic relationship included cooperation in trade and security matters, cultural and educational exchanges.

Azerbaijan and Israel are focusing on many areas mainly telecommunications, agriculture, water supply and medical technologies.

Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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