Israeli Ambassador Ronen Kraus: Azerbaijan is an example for the world

Relations between Azerbaijan and Israel are currently going through one of the most dynamic stages of their development. The strategic partnership between the two countries now covers an increasingly broad range of areas — from energy and agriculture to high technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and water-resource management.

What are the prospects for further strengthening cooperation? What opportunities does the reconstruction of Karabakh open up for Israeli business? Is Israel ready to share its advanced technologies with Azerbaijan in water supply, innovation, and the digital economy? And how do events in the Middle East affect relations between Baku and Tel Aviv?

Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ronen Kraus spoke about this and much more in an exclusive interview with Minval Politika.

— Our first question concerns the new level of relations between Azerbaijan and Israel. In your opinion, what decisions and steps have led to the strengthening of bilateral cooperation?

— I would say that, first of all, relations between Azerbaijan and Israel have reached a qualitatively new level in recent years. This became possible thanks to the solid foundation laid back when Azerbaijan gained independence in the early 1990s. Since then, we have witnessed a steady expansion of the areas of cooperation between our countries. New fields continue to be added to the agenda of bilateral relations, and we continue to look for additional areas of mutual interest for cooperation.

If we try to briefly explain the reasons for this development, we must look at the centuries-old history of good relations and successful coexistence of the Jewish community that has lived on the territory of Azerbaijan for many centuries. Jews have lived here peacefully and in harmony with all residents of the country — whether Muslims, Christians, Jews, or representatives of other national and religious minorities.

This phenomenon is truly unique, and it continues to this day. The fact that a large Jewish community lives in Azerbaijan today, in peace and harmony, and has the opportunity to fully preserve and develop its religious and cultural identity, commands deep respect. It is truly impressive.

When I look at what is happening in the world today and see the rise of antisemitic sentiment in Europe and other regions, I can point to Azerbaijan as an example of how relations between people of different faiths and cultures should be built. This is a model that other countries should study and adopt. If we combine the Jewish factor and the factor of the State of Israel, we have before us a story that we have every right to be proud of. It is a story that must be told to the world. It shows that a Jewish state and a state with a predominantly Muslim population can live in peace, harmony, and close cooperation, building full-fledged strategic relations.

Both sides regard these relations as strategic and are constantly looking for new opportunities to strengthen, expand, and implement them through new and creative projects.

— Indeed, despite the fact that the majority of Azerbaijan’s population professes Islam, our countries maintain excellent relations regardless of religious differences. Next question. Historically, Azerbaijan and Israel have built their relations not only on political trust, but also on mutual interests. In your opinion, which sector of the economy currently has the greatest potential for growth and for the development of cooperation between our countries? Is it agriculture, logistics, energy, green energy, or perhaps technology?

— I think that in your question you have already mentioned most of the areas on which we are currently focused. Of course, everything begins with the traditional areas of cooperation that have been developing between our countries for many years. First and foremost, this is energy, as well as a number of other areas where we have managed not only to maintain cooperation, but also to expand it significantly.

Today, cooperation is no longer limited merely to the supply of Azerbaijani energy resources to Israel. We have reached a new level, where Azerbaijan is also investing in Israeli energy projects. We saw this in the case of the Tamar gas field, and we continue to see cooperation developing within the framework of the exploration and development of new gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea.

Recently, information emerged that the next stage of the project will probably begin as early as September — the first technical trials and testing procedures. I cannot recall the exact technical term at the moment, but this refers specifically to the initial stage of testing before the project is launched. We hope that this stage will begin soon.

Thus, traditional energy cooperation has become the foundation on which we have been able to build interaction in entirely new areas and continue developing our relations far beyond their original framework.

You mentioned agriculture. This is one of the areas in which Azerbaijan is demonstrating significant success. I believe that combining Azerbaijan’s enormous agricultural potential with Israeli technologies can produce even more impressive results. We have already seen several successful examples of such cooperation — in crop production, dairy farming, and poultry farming. I hope there will be even more such projects in the future.

Israel brings to this cooperation modern technologies that make it possible to use available resources more efficiently, reduce costs, and also cut the use of chemicals and water. This brings us to another important topic — water technologies. As you know, Israel is a country in which a significant part of the territory is desert. Around two-thirds of Israel’s territory consists of desert areas, so we constantly have to look for solutions to the problem of water scarcity.

We work both on using water resources that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for consumption, such as saline water, and on technologies for desalinating seawater. These are technologies that we are happy to share with our friends, and of course with Azerbaijan.

In addition, we are talking about technologies for the more rational use of water, whether drip irrigation or other modern methods that make it possible to achieve better results while using fewer water resources.

Of course, new areas of cooperation have also emerged in recent years. Among them is cybersecurity, where Israel holds very strong positions, as well as artificial intelligence. This is a relatively new area of cooperation, on which Azerbaijan and Israel have already signed a memorandum of understanding.

Another important area is space cooperation and satellite technologies. At present, both countries are implementing joint projects that combine Israeli technology and know-how with Azerbaijan’s capabilities.

Thus, there are many areas into which we are investing time and effort. If we bring all of this under one general concept, we are talking about high technologies and innovation — an area in which Israel has achieved serious success.

This morning, we published information that yesterday a joint delegation of representatives of the high-tech and innovation sectors of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan left for Israel. During the week, the members of the delegation will become acquainted with Israel’s high-tech industry and visit the country’s leading technology centers and innovation hubs. They will also have the opportunity to learn about innovations in medicine and healthcare, the startup ecosystem, venture-capital opportunities, and other elements of the innovation economy.

I am convinced that, after they return, this trip will become an additional stimulus for the further development of the already successful cooperation between our countries.

— That is wonderful. And the next question is precisely about the fact that Israel is considered one of the world’s leading centers of innovation. In your opinion, how ready is Azerbaijan to cooperate with Israel in this field?

— I believe this is exactly the area in which both countries can actively exchange experience, knowledge, and expertise. Of course, Israel’s achievements in this field allow us to serve as a source of practical experience and know-how, which we are very happy to share with our close friends. And Azerbaijan is certainly among them. However, I always try to view such relations as a two-way street. It is not about one side exclusively teaching the other. There is always knowledge, experience, and best practices that we can learn from Azerbaijan and from our other partners.

One can always learn, and from everyone. I think one of the most important lessons we have learned in Israel is that one should not be afraid of failure. Of course, we like to talk about successes. If we look at the results of Israel’s high-tech sector in 2025, it was a very successful year. It is pleasant to see major investment deals, successful market exits by companies, the emergence of new “unicorns,” and impressive financial results.

But at the same time, one must also look at failures. There were plenty of those as well. And the main thing is not to be afraid of them. Absolutely right. One should not be afraid of mistakes. It is normal to fail. It is normal to try. It is normal to choose one direction, then realize that it turned out to be wrong, stop, and start looking for another path. This is precisely the approach we try to develop in our high-tech environment, among startups, and in the innovation ecosystem as a whole. Because the best way to learn is to learn from one’s own mistakes. Failures should not be allowed to stop you. You need to keep moving forward and try again. Success will definitely come — on the second attempt, the third, the fourth. But sooner or later, it will definitely come.

If you speak with any of the well-known Israeli entrepreneurs who are today regarded as success stories and ask them to talk about their previous projects, almost every one of them will recall numerous cases when things did not go at all as planned. But they did not give up; they continued moving forward, tried again, and ultimately achieved success.

— I completely agree with that. There is even a saying: a person who has achieved success has experienced more failures than a person who never achieved success has even made attempts. In addition, there is the Pareto principle. I would also like to talk about the Karabakh region. Today, Azerbaijan is actively developing it, implementing “smart city” and “smart village” projects. I would like to know whether Israel sees opportunities for cooperation within these projects. This could include green energy, digital infrastructure, and agriculture. In my view, Karabakh has enormous potential specifically in the agricultural sector. What do you think about this?

— Absolutely. You have touched on a topic to which we attach great importance. Karabakh. Personally, I have already been fortunate enough to visit Karabakh three times. And I have been in Azerbaijan for only 11 months. During this time, I have visited the region three times. Every time I go there, I am sincerely amazed by the scale of Karabakh’s development, the pace of transformation, and the impressive achievements that Azerbaijan has managed to accomplish in such a short period of time.

Naturally, I also look at this process through the prism of what Israel can do to help and how it can take part in the region’s further development. Many of the areas you mentioned are indeed of interest to us. These include agriculture, smart-city projects, and modern infrastructure solutions.

Perhaps Israel is not a world leader in building roads, bridges, or tunnels, but we are strong in the technologies that accompany such projects. Several Israeli companies have already shown interest in working in Karabakh and are considering investing in various projects. I have already mentioned dairy farms. We hope that such projects may also be implemented in Karabakh in the future.

As for agriculture, a number of Israeli companies are already studying the region’s potential. Karabakh has excellent conditions for growing various agricultural crops thanks to its fertile lands and favorable climate. And this is only one of the areas. So yes, of course, one of the most important components of our relations has always been the search for new projects and new forms of cooperation. And Karabakh undoubtedly plays one of the key roles in the further development and strengthening of relations between Azerbaijan and Israel.

— Earlier, you spoke about Israel’s experience in drip irrigation, water-resource management, and water desalination. Against the backdrop of global developments — global warming and changing climatic conditions — Azerbaijan, like many other countries, is facing water-security challenges. Do you believe our countries can cooperate in this area? And is Israel ready to share its experience with Azerbaijan?

— Absolutely. Moreover, such cooperation has been going on for many years. Israel’s national water company Mekorot has been working in Azerbaijan for a long time. It was the company’s specialists who participated in the development of Azerbaijan’s national water plan. In addition, they are serving as consultants in the implementation of the project for a new desalination plant planned to be built on the coast of the Caspian Sea.

This project is largely based on Israeli experience and technologies for the effective use of limited water resources. If we draw a parallel with Azerbaijan, then, as you rightly noted, global warming is also affecting your country. Therefore, Azerbaijan also needs to look for the most effective ways to use its available water resources. Water desalination is one such solution. In addition, there is another interesting initiative. It concerns investment in Israel’s water-desalination sector.

IDE, one of the world leaders in this field, is expected in the near future to partially come under Azerbaijani participation. If I remember correctly, this involves Azerbaijan acquiring around 30% of the company’s shares. This is another example of our cooperation.

In Israel, we have also achieved significant results in wastewater treatment. Today, practically 100% of wastewater in Israel is treated to such a level that it can be reused, mainly in agriculture. This is another area in which we can share our knowledge and technologies with Azerbaijan. We understood long ago that used water can be reused after undergoing appropriate treatment. Therefore, this is another promising area of cooperation.

And we are very happy to provide our Azerbaijani partners with any other technologies developed in Israel and aimed at the more rational and efficient use of water.

— We would also like to discuss the current tensions in the Middle East and the events taking place in the region. In your opinion, how do the current situation and the role of external players affect strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel?

— Yes, Israel has gone through several difficult years, during which we have had to confront threats on more than seven fronts at the same time. We remain active on the northern front, where we face the threat posed by the proxy terrorist organization Hezbollah, which represents a serious danger to Israel’s northern borders, as well as to the cities and towns located in that area.

Israel will continue to do everything possible to protect its citizens in the north of the country. The same applies to other fronts, including the Gaza Strip. After the tragic events of October 7, which shook the entire country, Israel faced the need to eliminate the threat that Hamas poses to our citizens in the south of the country.

In addition, cycles of tension in relations with Iran persist, as Iran continues to represent a serious threat to Israel. This concerns both ballistic missiles launched directly by Iran and weapons supplied to various proxy groups in the region, including the Houthis in Yemen.

Israel will closely monitor developments in this area in order to continue ensuring the security of its citizens. And we will continue doing this for as long as necessary, while such a need remains. We will not allow these forces to determine Israel’s future or our aspirations for peace with all our neighbors.

We have already made significant progress in negotiations with the legitimate and official government of Lebanon, which is showing an interest in moving forward and, hopefully, ultimately reaching a peace agreement. At least at the first stage, this concerns the development of security mechanisms. However, as long as Hezbollah remains present on Lebanese territory, this will be a serious obstacle to further progress. Therefore, we must eliminate this threat and remove terrorist influence from the equation.

We would also like to see the circle of participants in the Abraham Accords expand further. As is known, Israel previously signed such agreements with our partners in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and a number of other states. We would be very pleased to see new participants join this architecture of cooperation. We are convinced that such agreements can bring the region greater stability and prosperity.

I can say this as an Israeli citizen: I do not want to live constantly in a state of war. I want to live in peace. I want to be able to calmly build my life and give the same opportunity to my children and, in the future, I hope, to my grandchildren. To live peacefully, without thinking every day about the very existence of our state and our people. Therefore, we will be glad to cooperate with any partner who is ready to share this positive aspiration for peace.

— We understand your feelings very well, because Azerbaijan as a state has also gone through conflict, the loss of territories, and the struggle to return them. We have already touched on the subject of cooperation between our peoples and relations between our countries. Historically, the Jewish community has played an important role in Azerbaijan’s history and in the public life of the country. Do you consider this factor an important element in strengthening bilateral relations and further developing contacts between the people of our states?

— Absolutely. I can say that just a week ago, on the 15th, I attended a concert that took place in Red Village. A delegation of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra visited Red Village and performed for local residents, diplomats who had come from Baku for the event, and representatives of the local authorities.

It was a wonderful way to celebrate the special closeness between Jerusalem — the capital of Israel — and the so-called “Jerusalem of the Caucasus,” as Red Village is often called. I believe that the very opportunity to celebrate and strengthen such close and sincere ties between our peoples — both here in Azerbaijan and between Azerbaijan and Israel as a whole — is of enormous value. And we try to bring this to life as much as possible.

I can share another observation. While I was in Red Village for the concert, I met groups of Israeli tourists who were visiting the settlement that same day. It was very pleasant for me to hear Hebrew around me near the historical monuments and synagogues of Red Village. This is another area in which we see enormous potential and which is already actively developing.

More and more Israelis are learning about the beauty of Azerbaijan, about the importance of the strategic relations between our countries, and are deciding to come here to discover the country’s history, culture, and traditions. Last year alone, more than 70,000 Israeli citizens visited Azerbaijan. And this is not only about Baku — many travel across the country’s regions. I am confident that this number will continue to grow in the future.