(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 6 . The past year was
very positive in relations between Azerbaijan and Israel, as the
long-awaited decision was made to open the Azerbaijani embassy in
Tel Aviv, Israeli political expert Mikhail Finkel told STMEGI,
trend reports.
'This is a very important milestone between bilateral relations,
which have been very friendly and allied since Azerbaijan's
regaining its statehood after the collapse of the USSR. Israel
immediately recognized Azerbaijan and opened its embassy,” Finkel
reminded.
“For many years we were waiting for the opening of the
Azerbaijani embassy in Israel. The decision on its opening was
ratified and we are very happy about it. Prior to this step,
Azerbaijan opened its trade mission in Israel, implements numerous
projects, and joint cooperation in a number of areas,” he said.
“This, of course, includes business cooperation between Israeli and
Azerbaijani private companies, as well as cooperation between
government agencies in various areas, growing cooperation in the
field of military and defense technologies, and agriculture.”
According to the expert, it's no secret that Azerbaijan has a
lot of fertile land, and Israel has much less land, but there are a
lot of unique technologies which help to use any land for
agriculture.
'Thanks to advanced technology, land unsuitable for agriculture
in Israel is now yielding crops. In general, Israeli agriculture is
considered one of the most technologically advanced in the world,”
Finkel noted.“New plant varieties are being developed here,
innovative irrigation systems have been launched, automation and
modern interfaces are being introduced. The state also exports its
knowledge and experience to many countries of the world.”
He also noted the potential for cooperation in the field of
medical technologies between Israel and Azerbaijan.
'The pharmaceutical industry around the world is developing
successfully - both countries could determine a plan of action in
this direction, given that Israel has a highly developed medicine.
In 2020, Azerbaijan and Israel have done a big work, successfully
implemented rather many projects, and have become even closer to
each other in 2022, but this is not the limit,” the expert
said.
“I'm convinced that much can and should be expanded in bilateral
relations. For example, it's very important to improve student
exchange so that Israeli students have the opportunity to study in
Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijani students in Israel,” Finkel pointed
out.“It would be good if Israel cancels the tourist visa for
Azerbaijani citizens. Israel has already done a lot in this
direction for the citizens of the former USSR republics.”
He noted that Israel has canceled tourist visas for citizens of
Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and the Baltic states.
“There is still a visa for citizens of Azerbaijan. This should
be removed and the doors should be opened for Azerbaijanis in
Israel. In the future a step will be taken in this direction. In
2023, I see many new opportunities for deepening
Azerbaijani-Israeli relations,' concluded the expert.