Azerbaijan, Baku, April 23 /Trend E.Huseynov/
Azerbaijan and Israel celebrate the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.
The event dedicated to the anniversary was held in Baku Yacht club on Monday.
Azerbaijan-Israel relations are not simply confidential and strong, they go into the past, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in his speech.
Azerbaijan is a country where Jews have always felt at home, he said.
Our relationship, he said, passed the test of time.
"Whereas 20 years ago, Israel's exports to Azerbaijan amounted to $500.000, and imports to $12.000; the bilateral trade volume now exceeds $4 billion. Relations between the two countries are developing in the field of agriculture, medicine and water resources. Israeli businessmen invest in infrastructure projects. Exchange of views at the highest level between the two countries is more than intensive," he said.
Lieberman expressed his satisfaction with the signing of a number of bilateral agreements on customs cooperation a few days ago and noted that the agreement on visa-free regime for diplomats, as well as in education sphere is being developed.
The election of Azerbaijan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, of course, is recognition of the special status of Azerbaijan in the international arena, he said.
He expressed hope for further positive dynamics in bilateral relations.
Minister of Industry and Energy Natig Aliyev said that whereas 20 years ago two countries were just establishing relations, today they can be proud that cooperation came from the official level to understanding and mutual trust at all levels.
Aliyev noted the huge potential of bilateral relations.
He expressed hope that cooperation between the two countries will extend from raw materials export to the area of innovative technology, natural sciences, agriculture and industry.
Natig Aliyev congratulated Israel on 64th anniversary of the state, and wished prosperity, economic development, peace, kindness and happiness to its people.
