Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar met with leaders of the Jewish community in Baku at the start of his diplomatic visit to Azerbaijan. Photos from the meeting were published by the head of Israel’s foreign ministry on his Telegram channel.
Sa’ar noted that around 30,000 Jews currently live in Azerbaijan alongside the country’s Muslim population in an atmosphere of mutual respect, religious tolerance, and freedom of worship. According to him, for generations Azerbaijan has served as an example of a Muslim-majority country that ensures the security and prosperity of the Jewish community.
The Israeli foreign minister also emphasized the strong historical and humanitarian ties between the two countries. He stated that Jews who repatriated to Israel from Azerbaijan, as well as the Jewish community continuing to live in the country, form a solid foundation for bilateral relations. “These ties continue to deepen in many areas, and we intend to strengthen them further,” Sa’ar said.
Earlier, Israeli media reported that on January 25 Gideon Sa’ar departed for an official visit to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. During the trip, meetings are scheduled with the leaders of both countries, as well as with representatives of government agencies and public organizations.
The minister is accompanied by a large trade and economic delegation consisting of more than 40 business leaders and government officials from Israel. The delegation represents sectors including water technologies and agriculture, cybersecurity, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
At Sa’ar’s initiative, business forums are also planned in Baku and Astana, where members of the Israeli delegation will meet with local entrepreneurs and business communities. The visit aims to strengthen political dialogue and expand economic cooperation between the countries.
In Kazakhstan, the visit is taking place against the backdrop of the country’s accession to the Abraham Accords. In addition, Sa’ar will participate in events in Astana marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
