Israel attaches special importance to partnership with Azerbaijan
Israel attaches special importance to the partnership with Azerbaijan, the Israeli ambassador to Baku, Dan Stav told reporters May 18.
"Israel has been Azerbaijan's friend since it gained independence," said Stav. "Azerbaijan is an example of peaceful coexistence of various ethnic groups and religions."
Israel supports Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and stands for a peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, added the ambassador.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Further speaking to reporters, Ambassador Stav noted that the relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are developing in all the spheres.
Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Israel neared $138.7 million in January-April 2016, according to Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee.
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