News.Az interviews Michael Lavon Latem, Israel’s ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in Azerbaijan.
How do you assess the current level of Azerbaijani-Israeli relations?
I would like to characterize relations as very good and close and more expanding. Very close and friendly contacts are established on the level of the heads of the two states. I can say that the Israeli leadership considers Azerbaijan to be an important country. This is not just a diplomatic formulation, this is true. The great importance Israeli government attaches to Azerbaijan is proven by the fact that in conditions when the Foreign Ministry reduces its budget in terms of developing contacts with other states, our Foreign Ministry increases budget expenses for the development of our bilateral ties with Azerbaijan.
Are you satisfied with the current level of existing bilateral trade and economic relations?
The development of these ties is already observed, our relations cover more and more fields. The highest number of contracts is signed on water resources, in business and agriculture. For example, this has been proven by a representative of one of the Israeli companies, actively developing business in Azerbaijan, while talking to me recently. Your country has Israeli companies, functioning in the sphere of communications. Azerbaijan has a number of Israeli specialists engaged in implementation of big infrastructural projects. In other words, our countries are bound together not only with oil.
Nevertheless, the cooperation in energy sphere occupies a special place in our bilateral relations.
Yes, almost 25 percentage of oil we buy from abroad is supplied to Israel from Azerbaijan. This is a long-term contract and this cooperation is mutually profitable.
Which agreements and in which spheres are prepared for signing between our two states?
We have completed work at agreements in health and communications just recently. Currently, we study possible cooperation in tourism, issues of entering the country.
Which visits are expected in the nearest future?
We expect several visits from Israel to Azerbaijan until December of this year. I cannot yet disclose all the details since we expect their confirmation. I can only say that among them there is an important one which we expect to take place this autumn.
W.W.
News.Az