(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Ayya Lmahamad read more In an exclusive interview with Azernews, Palestinian
Ambassador to Azerbaijan Nasser Abdul Kareem spoke about the
current state of Azerbaijani-Palestine relations, the most
significant points in the history of relations between the two
countries, the opening of Azerbaijani representative office in
Palestine, as well as prospects for and potential spheres of
cooperation development.
Q: Mr. Ambassador, could you please tell us about the
history of Palestine-Azerbaijani relations?
A: Our relations go way back in history. Even
long before the restoration of independence, relations between the
two peoples and their leaders were characterized by a strong
affinity, as their shared values and culture formed the basis for
the bonds that bound them throughout history while sharing similar
challenges.
When Azerbaijan restored its independence, Palestine was one of
the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with
Azerbaijan.
One must mention the good relations between the two late leaders
Yasser Arafat and Heydar Aliyev, and that hundreds of Palestinian
students have graduated from Azerbaijani universities since last
century.
Q: What is your assessment of the current state of
Azerbaijani-Palestine relations?
A: In the last decade, the relations under the
guidance of both Presidents Mahmoud Abbas and Ilham Aliyev have
reached a higher level of cooperation, coordination, and
development, signing multiple agreements in different fields,
providing unwavering support to each other on the world stage,
becoming a good example of friendship and solidarity.
Q: As last year marked the 30th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and
Palestine, in your opinion, what were the most significant points
in the history of relations between the two countries?
A: There are many, but the ones that come
instantly to mind are President Abbas' visit to Azerbaijan and his
meeting with President Aliyev in 2011, where they stood next to
each other declaring resolute fraternal support to each other.
Opening the Palestinian embassy in Azerbaijan in 2011 is another
landmark; and finally, the decision to open Azerbaijan's diplomatic
representation in Palestine is further proof of the strength of our
bilateral relations, and Azerbaijan's unyielding support to
Palestine's cause of independence with East Jerusalem as its
capital.
Q: Recently, Azerbaijan announced the establishment of
the country's representative office in Palestine. In your opinion,
how will this help in developing the relations between the two
countries?
A: It is another important milestone in our
relations and an embodiment of the will and commitment to
developing them further to higher planes.
It will enhance coordination and bring people-to-people contacts
closer. Hoping the day is not far when Azerbaijan opens its embassy
in the Capital of Palestine - East Jerusalem.
Q: What are the prospects and potential fields of
cooperation development between Azerbaijan and
Palestine?
A: We already work, coordinate, and cooperate
closely with each other politically in international organizations,
such as the UN, OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement currently chaired
by Azerbaijan.
In education, you would see many Palestinian students studying
at Azerbaijani universities; it can be developed by increasing
cooperation between the universities in both countries.
The spheres of commerce and tourism have not reached the aspired
potential yet, but there are good prospects to enhance and increase
the exchange volume between our countries.
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Ayya Lmahamad is AzerNews' staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @ayyalmahamad