Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mr. Ronen Krausz gave an extended interview to AJM's Israeli Bureau Chief Igor Roitapel

Interview with the Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan:

"Honorable Ambassador, the relations between Israel and Azerbaijan are considered unique in the Middle East. Today we would like to hear from you not only about politics, but also about the human dimension of this partnership."

How would you define the current level of relations between Israel and Azerbaijan?

The relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are defined as deep strategic relations, based on close ties of trust between both leaders and peoples. The two countries enjoy extensive cooperation in a variety of areas: political, security, energy, economy and trade, space, academia, education, health, cyber, tourism, agriculture, water, and more. This is a broad, stable and constantly developing set of relations.

What key factors do you think have made the cooperation between the countries so strong and durable?

There is a deep understanding between the two countries of the challenges each faces, and a dialogue based on mutual appreciation and long-standing acquaintance. Another significant element is the role of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani diaspora in Israel, which serve as a human and cultural bridge that strengthens relations. In my conversations with officials in Azerbaijan, I repeatedly hear their great appreciation for the Jewish community and its many years of contribution to shaping the image of Azerbaijan as a strong and leading country in the Caucasus and the world.

Israel was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence. How has the bilateral dialogue changed since then?

Over the 34 years that have passed since the recognition of Azerbaijan's independence, the bilateral dialogue has constantly developed and expanded. The opening of the embassy in Baku in 1993, visits by heads of state from Israel, and the establishment of a long line of cooperation have made the relationship a model for cooperation between the two countries. The opening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Israel in 2023 was another significant step that raised the relationship to an even higher level.

How important is Azerbaijan to Israel in the context of regional stability and energy security?

Azerbaijan is very important to Israel. As a country operating in a complex environment, Israel knows how to appreciate countries that succeed in stabilizing their regional environment. In the field of energy, Azerbaijan is a major supplier to the Israeli market, and we welcome the deepening of cooperation – including with SOCAR’s entry into energy projects in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean.

How does Israel view Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between East and West and between the Muslim and Jewish worlds?

Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority country with a large and respected Jewish community of about 30,000 people, presents an impressive model of tolerance, mutual respect, and religious freedom. For centuries, the Jewish community in the country has enjoyed living together without anti-Semitism and with mutual respect. Not only the Jewish community is treated this way, but all minorities living in the country. At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise in the world, this is an important message to the world.

Security and Cooperation

The two countries are reluctant to reveal details about their security cooperation, but can we say that the partnership in the security field is strengthening?

Without going too far, the security field is one of many areas in which cooperation between the countries takes place. In addition, the field of cyber defense is currently gaining momentum worldwide, in order to protect critical infrastructure as well as civilians. Israel has proven capabilities in this area and we are happy to share the experience gained together with our close partners

Economy, technology and innovation

Israel is known as a "start-up nation". What Israeli technologies are already in use in Azerbaijan?

Israel brings unique capabilities to Azerbaijan in the fields of innovation and development. Israeli technologies can be found here in the fields of space and satellites, medical innovation, agriculture and water, defensive cyber and many other areas.

Are direct investment projects or high-tech parks planned?

Israeli business entities in diverse fields are currently examining direct investments and integration into existing economic parks and innovation spaces throughout Azerbaijan.

What is the contribution of academic collaborations?

Academic collaborations constitute a significant platform for deepening ties: student exchanges, joint degrees, research and development, establishing study frameworks, and more. So far, collaborations have taken place with the Hebrew University, Ben Gurion, HIT, and more, and we are working to expand them to additional frameworks.

Culture, Diaspora, and Human Relations

How do you assess the contribution of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan to strengthening relations between peoples?

The Jewish community, which has been an integral part of the social fabric of Azerbaijan for centuries, is a cornerstone in relations between peoples. Her contribution to the development of the country, along with the way she is respected and appreciated, reflect the pluralistic nature of Azerbaijan and constitute a solid foundation for the relationship between the two countries.

What do you think creates the unique atmosphere that Azerbaijan radiates towards Israelis, especially compared to other countries in the region?

The human warmth, mutual appreciation and high level of development surprise and excite Israelis who visit here. Returning tourists are surprised by the service, culture, cuisine, landscapes and the friendly attitude of the residents when they discover that they are visitors from Israel. This feeling continues to permeate and attract more and more visitors.

How is cultural exchange progressing in the fields of cinema, music, gastronomy and tourism?

The embassy is working to expand cultural activity. We recently hosted a band at the Jazz Festival, held an Israeli Culinary Week, participated in the Simcha Barbecue Festival, and the Gesher Theater presented "Anna Karenina" in Hebrew in Baku. There is an impressive upward trend in tourism: 20 weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Baku, further growth is expected in 2026, and we hope to end 2025 with over 50,000 Israeli tourists.

Do you have any personal experiences from encounters with Azerbaijanis that you would like to share?

I have two: one, the two visits I have made to Karabakh so far. The accelerated development, the impressive infrastructure and the renewal are inspiring. But what moved me most was to see the residents returning to their homes and to hear the voices of the children in the streets. Karabakh came back to life. The second, the recent victory parade in which the heads of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities sat side by side, a spectacular expression of unity, solidarity, love of homeland and mutual respect in a multicultural country.

Looking to the future

How do you see the development of relations between Israel and Azerbaijan in the coming decade?

We are in the midst of a fascinating process that is realizing the enormous potential of the relations. This requires creative thinking, identifying opportunities and consistent investment. The existing foundation is a good one, stable and based on shared values, and therefore I am sure that in a decade we will look back with satisfaction on the achievements.

What do you think is needed for the younger generation, both in Israel and in Azerbaijan, to feel part of this friendship?

It is important to expose the younger generation to the existing cooperation in the economy, culture, academia and tourism and to highlight the shared values. Mutual visits, study programs and direct exposure to daily life here create a sense of belonging. Every visitor becomes an ambassador of friendship.

What would you like to leave behind when you end your mission as ambassador in Baku?

I am still at the beginning of my journey, but the goal of every diplomat is to add a significant layer to relations: to strengthen cooperation, trust, understanding and the human connection between peoples. If I can say that all of these have intensified during my time, I will know that I have succeeded.

Conclusion

Honorable Ambassador, thank you very much for the conversation. The relations between Israel and Azerbaijan are not just diplomacy – they are a story of mutual respect, shared values and mutual benefit.

The interview was conducted by AJM bureau chief Igor Roytapel