AZE.US
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has described Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as a close friend and praised the strength of relations between the two countries, saying the partnership is built on mutual affection and shared interests.
Herzog made the remarks in an interview with Azerbaijan’s CBC television channel during his visit to Baku for the seventh summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.
“These relations are incredible. They are stronger than ever,” Herzog said, according to the interview.
The Israeli president said the two countries should expand cooperation in agriculture, water management, medicine and education. He also called for more student exchanges and closer links among medical, cultural and other institutions.
Trade, Flights and Investment
Herzog said stronger people-to-people ties and investment could give the relationship new momentum. He identified agriculture and water management as especially promising areas, pointing to climate pressures and the condition of the Caspian Sea.
During the interview, the CBC journalist said bilateral trade exceeds $400 million and Azerbaijan Airlines operates 30 flights a week between the countries. The period covered by those figures was not specified in the broadcast.
Herzog said interest among Israeli travelers in Azerbaijan is growing and that visitors return with positive impressions. He invited Azerbaijanis to visit Israel, including Jerusalem and other destinations.
Herzog Praises Aliyev’s Leadership
Speaking about Aliyev, Herzog said he trusts the Azerbaijani president and sees him as a leader with a long-term outlook.
“He has foresight. He sees today and years and decades ahead,” Herzog said.
Herzog credited Aliyev with strengthening Azerbaijan’s international standing, developing energy connections in both western and eastern directions, deepening relations with Central Asian states and reinforcing the partnership with Israel.
He also welcomed progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, saying peace with a neighboring country would open additional opportunities for economic and social development.
The remarks followed an October 14 meeting between Herzog and Aliyev at the Presidential Palace in Baku. The Israeli president’s office said the leaders discussed deepening a strategic relationship rooted in mutual respect, shared interests and longstanding ties between their peoples.
An official Azerbaijani readout said the presidents exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues. It also said Herzog congratulated Azerbaijan on the extension of its CICA chairmanship for 2026-2028.
Azerbaijan’s Jewish Community
Herzog praised the position of Azerbaijan’s Jewish community and said the country’s traditions of multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence offered an important example of Jewish-Muslim relations.
He said he based that assessment on conversations with Azerbaijan-born Israelis, rabbis and community leaders. Herzog also cited Israel’s relations with Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates and other regional states as evidence of broader opportunities for dialogue between Jews and Muslims.
The Israeli president recalled his 2023 visit to Azerbaijan and spoke about his interest in Baku, the history of its Jewish communities and the novel Ali and Nino. At the end of the CBC interview, the presenter gave him editions of the book in Hebrew and Russian.
Herzog arrived in Baku on October 14 for a day-and-a-half visit. His schedule included an address to the CICA summit, bilateral meetings and talks with leaders of Azerbaijan’s Jewish community.
AZE.US