Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov visited Israel last week for a series of high-level meetings in Jerusalem, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries in the areas of economy, energy, and regional cooperation.
Jabbarov first met with Minister Zeev Elkin, who serves at Israel’s Finance Ministry and co-chairs the Israel-Azerbaijan intergovernmental committee. The two discussed expanding joint economic initiatives and advancing projects that can benefit both nations.
During his visit to Israel, the Economy Minister met with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. According to officials familiar with the meeting, the talks focused on long-term strategic projects, strengthening regional ties, and unlocking Azerbaijan’s geo-economic potential.
Sa’ar noted a sharp rise in Israeli tourism to Baku over the past year and said he intends to visit the country soon.
Jabbarov also held discussions with Energy Minister Eli Cohen. Azerbaijan is one of Israel’s primary oil suppliers, and in 2025, the country further deepened its presence in Israel’s energy sector when the national energy company SOCAR acquired a ten percent stake in the Tamar gas field.
Israel-Azerbaijan cooperation expands, eyes US attention
The visit comes at a time of expanding cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan, and is seen as part of a broader effort to advance regional stability and shared economic interests.
The Israel-Azerbaijan partnership is also drawing attention in Washington. Under the Trump administration, the United States encouraged a peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the South Caucasus, after Baku regained territories previously held by Armenian forces.
For US officials, the long-standing ties between Jerusalem and Baku were viewed as a positive sign of Azerbaijan’s reliability as a strategic partner.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Azerbaijani parliament members is currently visiting the United States, joined by Baku’s Sephardi Chief Rabbi, Zamir Isayev. In meetings with members of Congress, Isayev has emphasized the importance of the absence of antisemitism in Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority country.
