(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 7. Israel's companies
are always striving to work in Azerbaijan because there is trust
between the countries, Minister of tourism of Israel, Co-Chair of
the Azerbaijan-Israel Joint Commission Yoel Razvozov, who is on a
visit to Baku, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.
“The program of the visit was very rich. I represent not only
Israel's Ministry of Tourism but also the Israel-Azerbaijan
Intergovernmental Commission. Co-Chair from the Azerbaijani side,
Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and I are holding a number of
meetings, particularly on increasing turnover between the two
countries, as well as on cooperation in other economic areas. A lot
of work has been done, and we are currently working on the next
steps. During the visit, my first meeting was with President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. We had a very warm meeting and discussed
issues on the promotion of both states. I have also met with
Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, Minister of Defense
Industry Madat Guliyev, and Chairman of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL)
CJSC Jahangir Askarov. All these meetings were fruitful,” the
minister said.
Razvozov noted that Israeli companies and Azerbaijani government
agencies concluded two agreements.
“We have signed documents with the State Tax Service of
Azerbaijan, as well as with Azerbaijan Amelioration and Water
Management OJSC, and many more agreements are yet to be signed,” he
said.
Yoel Razvozov also talked about the negotiations with the
leadership of AZAL.
“We agreed with the head of AZAL on increasing the number of
flights provided by the company from two to five a week. Israeli
companies are also to increase air travel to Azerbaijan. The
presence of direct flights promotes the growth of tourist flow,
thereby developing cooperation in tourism. The increasing number of
flights always depends on economic factors. While 10,000 Israeli
tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2016, this figure rose to nearly
50,000 before the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a demand for the
growing number of flights. There is also a big flow of tourists
from Azerbaijan to Israel,” the Israeli minister said.
According to Razvozov, the opening of the Trade and Tourist
Offices in Israel by Azerbaijan in 2022 will contribute to the
business development between the two countries.
“It was a great honor for me to participate in the opening of
the office, which was also attended by Chairman of Azerbaijan's
State Tourism Agency Fuad Naghiyev. The office is located in a very
good place in Tel Aviv. This bureau will help attract tourists not
only from Israel, but also from all over the world,” he said.
The minister noted that Azerbaijan is an interesting tourist
destination for Israelis.
“Azerbaijan has a lot of sights, as well as Israel has many
attractions to be of interest to Azerbaijani tourists: Tel Aviv (a
city of start-ups that is 24/7 alive), Eilat, the Red Sea, and the
Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, Israel develops gastronomic, wine and
ethnic tourism. I think the Israelis may show interest in
Azerbaijan's winter tourism. Azerbaijan is a wonderful country with
nine types of climate zones out of eleven existing ones. After the
COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we are waiting for Azerbaijani
tourists in our warm country. We sorely hope for cooperation in
this direction,” added Yoel Razvozov.
Noting that Israel and Azerbaijan are celebrating the 30th
anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations this year, the
minister stressed that tremendous work has been done during this
time.
“Colossal work has been done over 30 years, and now both
countries are working on doing a lot more. Therefore, together with
Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, we discuss
setting up a platform for promoting economic relations. We are
working to create the most favorable business conditions. Israel's
companies are always striving to work in Azerbaijan based on trust
and good relations between the two countries,” he added.
Razvozov outlined close friendly relations between Azerbaijan
and Israel.
“These relations are of a strategic nature. Israel has always
recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and welcomes its
restoration. Israeli companies are ready to participate in
liberated Karabakh projects such as water supply, the construction
of smart cities, as well as cooperation in the energy sector. In
case of demand, Israeli companies will also show interest in
operating flights to Fuzuli International Airport. I think these
days are not far off,” he said.
In conclusion, the minister highly appreciated Azerbaijan's
tolerance towards various peoples living in the country.
“The Jewish community in Azerbaijan has always peacefully
coexisted with representatives of other peoples. During the visit,
I went to two synagogues in Baku and was pleasantly surprised by
the religious tolerance of the country's leadership, which was
expressed in the support of the Azerbaijani Jewish community. This
is very valuable for Israel, and we are grateful to the Government
of Azerbaijan for this,” Razvozov said.
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Tags:
- Azerbaijan
- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
- Israel
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