(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Elnur Enveroglu read more Israeli-Azerbaijani relations have always been based on
historical values rather than political and economic. No matter
which corner of Azerbaijan you are in, you can definitely meet a
synagogue or meet the Jewish community there. Israeli activist who
often visits Azerbaijan, CEO and founder of the Donnca Gracia
non-profit and non-gevrnmental organization in Israel, journalist
Rachel Abraham was our guest in the editorial office of Azernews to
share her impressions about her last visit to Azerbaijan. First of
all, Abraham talked about her trips to Ganja, Oguz, Guba and
several districts of Azerbaijan, she also talked about mountain
Jews living in Guba, synagogues with centuries-old history in Oguz
and many interesting places she saw in Ganja. It should be noted
that Rachel's visit to Azerbaijan also coincided with the first
ever visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Azerbaijan. For
this reason, the journalist spoke heartily about the day-by-day
development of Israel-Azerbaijani relations.
"I think the potential for the Azerbaijan-Israel relations is
the sky is the limit. Recently the caretaker of the synegog was
excited to see someone from Israel to come to see the
hundred-year-old synagogues in Oguz. He said he doesn't get many
visitors this time of year, only in summer. When I was in Ganja I
met with the leader of the jewish community. They talked about how
much they were very excited to see me and introduced me son of
theirs serving in the israel Defense Forces. I think the connection
between two countries are very strong. There is a group of
Azerbaijanis who are going to study agriculture in the state of
Israel that want to bring the lates technology of Israel and apply
in Azerbaijan. They also want to apply the ltest Israeli technology
of ittigation which will be helpfult to raise Karabakh's
agriculture in future. Currently there is a number of students
studying international programs at the Tel Aviv University."
Rachel Abraham said since the embassy of Azerbaijan has started
to operate in Israel there is a huge number of tourist flow from
her country to Azerbaijan.
"I think this is mutual now as many Israelis also visit
Azerbaijan to explore the country. It was not so long ago in Tel
Aviv there was a tourism office opened. Besides that, there is an
ambassdor who helps Israelis to come to Azerbaijan. I think all
things will be blossoming in the future," she emphasized.
The journalist also touched on aspects that bring the two
countries together to mutually cooperate.
"Israel Azerbaijan have much common in many spheres. Our
economic cooperation is also high and Azerbaijan provides 40
percent of Israel's energy needs. And most importantly we have
common enemy like Iran through which Israel and Azerbaijan
especially strengthen cooperation in security issues.
Besides, as mention to Israeli President Isaac Herzog's recent
visit in Azerbaijan there were seveal documents signed between two
countries, one of which was in medical science and healthcare," she
opined.
Talking about the recent visit of israeli President's to
Azerbaijan, Rachel Abraham notes that this visit is very important,
but also comes from the special closeness between Israel and
Azerbaijan.
"Israeli President Isaac Herzog's choice of Azerbaijan to make
his first ever visit in a muslim country was in particular
significant. He could make his visit to Morocco, however we know
that Azerbaijan is very distinctful and important for Israel among
other states," she stressed.
The Israeli journalist could not hide her emotions while talking
about her visit to Karabakh. She said that she was proud to visit a
founding country like Azerbaijan.
"Israel also became one of the countries that supported
Azerbaijan in its rightful struggle against the 30-year occupation.
We are always ready to continue our support. The last time I was in
Karabakh, I witnessed Armenian brutality. When I saw the destroyed
houses first, then in my next trip the newly built houses in the
place of ruins, I was really proud to be in a beautiful country
like Azerbaijan. I should mention that I came across many destroyed
houses in Shusha. However, I strongly believe that the whole of
Karabakh will flourish in the near future," she added.
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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews' deputy editor-in-chief, follow him
on @elnurmammadli1