Issues of expanding cooperation with Israel in investment, innovations, ecology, information, water, energy, agriculture, food technology industry, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, food safety, cyber security, tourism, small and medium entrepreneurship and other fields were discussed and a number of documents were signed at the 3rd session of the Israel-Azerbaijan- Joint Commission.
The 3rd meeting of the Joint Commission was held in Baku between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Israel. Minister of Economy, Co-Chairman of the Joint Commission Mikayil Jabbarov speaking at the meeting, emphasized the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Israel relations in various fields based on friendship and mutual trust. It was reported that the share of non-oil products in the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Israel is increasing: “However, we need to diversify our trade relations, since Azerbaijan still has a huge untapped potential for exporting non-oil products to the Israeli market”. The Minister of Economy noted that there are wide prospects for cooperation in investment, innovations, information, agriculture, ecology, food, water, energy technologies, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, food safety, cyber security, tourism, small and medium entrepreneurship and other fields, and private sector should increase its activity to realize this potential. Business events between business circles provide additional opportunities in this context for expanding dialogue. Azerbaijan is interested in cooperation in the transfer of modern technologies between our countries, and partnership between relevant institutions can contribute to the implementation of joint initiatives.
The Minister of Economy also informed about the economic achievements achieved in Azerbaijan, drew attention to the opportunities created for investors, invited Israeli companies to take advantage of the opportunities of the Alat Free Economic Zone, Baku International Sea Trade Port, and to implement joint projects.
Eli Cohen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, co-chairman of the Joint Commission, emphasized the sincere friendly relations between our peoples and noted that the opening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Israel has raised our relations to a new stage of development. Eli Cohen shared his views on the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in various fields, and pointed out that the private sector has turned the potential of partnership development into reality.
Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev touching upon global challenges related to climate change, informed about the ongoing projects in Azerbaijan on ecology and environmental protection, and noted the importance of expanding cooperation with Israel in these areas.
Opinions were exchanged at the meeting on issues of mutual interest in various fields.
A number of documents were signed on the expansion of cooperation within the framework of the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission. The Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Israel on cooperation in the field of environmental protection serves to strengthen the cooperation of our countries in this direction and to increase the possibilities of efficient use of resources. The Joint Declaration in the field of technological innovation between the Innovation and Digital Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Israel Innovation Authority, the Agreement on cooperation between SOCAR and the Israeli company "Union Energy", Memorandum of Understanding between "Azersu" Open Joint Stock Company and Israel National Water Company - "Mekorot" was also signed at the event.
