(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.16
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Through the Israeli embassy 10-15 Israeli companies have applied
to take part in projects in Karabakh, Israeli Ambassador to
Azerbaijan George Deek said in an exclusive interview with Trend .
'Even higher number of companies from Israel have applied
directly, not through the embassy. I assume that we're talking
about tens of companies that are applying for various projects
ranging from building smart cities, to green energy, agriculture,
building a hospital, spa treatment center. There are various
projects on the table and not all of them go through the embassy.
We have a very active private sector, it works independently,' he
said.
Deek pointed out that Israel has always stood
shoulder-to-shoulder with Azerbaijan in its support for the
territorial integrity of the country.
'We are very happy that Azerbaijan now has the opportunity to
rebuild and to revive Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. We think that
this creates a huge opportunity for cooperation between Azerbaijan
and various countries in the world. We think Israel also has a lot
to contribute in several fields, such as water management,
agriculture, health, innovations, smart cities and green energy.
So, I believe that in each one of these areas Israel can be a good
partner of Azerbaijan,' said the envoy.
He noted that right now, there are several projects that are in
the pipeline with the Israeli agricultural private sector.
'Many Israeli companies in the agricultural sector are coming,
negotiating, seeing, inspecting and meeting with Azerbaijani
partners in order to look into projects. There was one that was
announced in Zangilan, which we are very optimistic about. It will
be ready in the near future. An Israeli company is going to
establish and to run a farm and smart village. We do not sign these
agreements as a government, but there are companies from Israel
which sign agreements with our partners. For example, there is an
Azerbaijani company in charge of the smart city agreement in
Zangilan. They are signing it between two private companies. There
have been negotiations. I believe it has been finalized and there
should be a farm for hundreds of cows and buffaloes to provide
milk, which will also go for processing to provide food,
employments and expertise for the people of the region,' said
Deek.
As for other areas, the ambassador noted that in Aghdam, for
example, there have been projects in the water sector, that have
been negotiated with companies like Mekorot, Baran Group and
others.
'We hope that soon something tangible will be finalized between
the two sides,' he added.
Deek went on to add that Israel is ready also for its companies
to take part in projects in the field of green energy in Karabakh
or in other parts of Azerbaijan.
'There are now projects in Absheron that Israeli companies may
be interested in, especially in solar and wind energy. We're trying
to create more cooperation between the companies in this field.
There is no doubt that the cooperation is going to grow. We have to
remember one thing: the reconstruction of Karabakh is a historic
momentum, challenge and effort for Azerbaijan. What we have proven
as Israel is that we are here in our partnership and friendship
with Azerbaijan for the long run. We're not looking only on one
year or two years term, but longer run. Wherever Azerbaijan decides
that Israeli expertise and assistance is needed, we're going to be
ready to assist,' he said.
As for the demining of Azerbaijan's liberated lands, the
ambassador said he had several meetings with Azerbaijan National
Agency for Mine Action about cooperation in demining.
'Several Israeli companies came here and had consultations with
the Agency. They even toured those territories to see what is
needed. Many of them presented their offers to see what they can
take forward,' he added.
---
Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
MENAFN16022022000187011040ID1103706918
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.