Azerbaijan, Baku, 22 April / Trend, E. Tariverdiyeva /
The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister's visit to Israel promotes good relations between the two countries, Israeli President Shimon Peres said at a meeting with Elmar Mammadyarov, the Israeli edition of the Jerusalem Post reported on Monday.
"This is a historic visit," Peres said.
Mammadyarov arrived at the head of the delegation consisting of five members of the Jewish community and MPs.
In turn, Mammadyarov said Azerbaijan is an independent and prosperous country with a multicultural society. Baku, according to him, is a firm believer in good neighborly relations.
"However, we still have problems with Armenia due to the protracted conflict and occupation of our territory," the Minister said.
Mammadyarov expressed his hope that the Armenians have realized that good neighborhood relations can not be based on the principle of occupation.
"One of the reasons for our good relationship with Israel is that you recognize our problems," he said.
Perez added that he is familiar with the current President of Azerbaijan and was familiar with his father, saying he admired national leader Heydar Aliyev who did everything possible for Azerbaijan to become a country with its own laws independent of all.
Peres expressed his confidence that Azerbaijan will become a major player in its geopolitical region and that the country has a great future based on human capital and natural resources as well as currently developing science and technology.
Peres also noted the high level of relations between the political establishment and the Jewish community of Azerbaijan.
Noting the commonality between the two countries, Peres said Azerbaijan has taken a clear stance against terrorism and war and wants to see peace in troubled regions, which are still not liberated from terror and violence.
The President praised Azerbaijan for its peace policy, independence and culture.