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Azerbaijan-Israel International Association set up

13 April 2007 10:52 (UTC +04:00)

Touching on Azerbaijan-Jew historical ties, Nazim Ibrahimov called these relations an example of cordial friendship. He said Jews lived in Azerbaijan for 2000 years but have never been persecuted or suffered indignity. The Committee chairman said Azerbaijan has Jewish population of 16 thousand at present.
â€œAzerbaijani Jewish community never suffered from anti-Semitism either in the past or now,â€ he stressed
Nazim Ibrahimov hoped Azerbaijan-Israel International Association will strongly contribute to the bilateral cooperation.
Deputy Israelâ€™s Prime Minister, Minister for Strategic Planning, the leader of Israel- Our Home Party Avigdor Liberman congratulated participants and highly appreciated Azerbaijan-Israel relations. He said the Association is a result of public diplomacy and it will contribute Azerbaijanâ€“Israel relations positively. Another Deputy Prime Minister, Transport minister, general Shaul Mofaz welcomed the initiative of establishing Diaspora organization by Jews immigrated from Azerbaijan to Israel. He said Azerbaijani-originated Jewish played important role in the development of Israel society.
â€œIt is to be appraised that immigrants from Azerbaijan after living in Israel for 10-15 years and becoming true Israel citizens do not forget their root, languages, religions, traditions,â€ he underlined.
Israelâ€™s Tourism Minister Iskhaki Aaaronovic emphasized common features for Azerbaijani and Israel nations. He said new organization creates new opportunities.
After addressing, the conference adopted the regulations. Former Baku resident, Israel Knessetâ€™s member Iosif Shagal was elected the chairman of the Association. Nekhamiya Mikhaeli, Alex Shapiro and Nina Yarovaya became viceâ€“presidents.
Iosif Shagal stated that he would work to strengthen political, economical and cultural relations between the two nations. He said Nazim Ibarhimovâ€™s and Israel Knesset membersâ€™ participation enhanced the importance of conference. â€œNo Israel community had such a high-level conferenceâ€. In the end Azerbaijani and Israeli national anthems were played. /APA/