Diaspora

Diaspora

Nazim Ibrahimov: Establishment of Azerbaijan-Israel International Association will influence to the development of bilateral relations

14 April 2007 09:32 (UTC +04:00)

Azerbaijan-Israel International Association has been established in Tel-Aviv recently. Chief of State Committee for Azeris living Abroad Nazim Ibrahimov attended the establishment meeting. Nazim Ibrahimov was interviewed by APAâ€™s Israel bureau on the results of his visit.

- How do you estimate your visit to Israel?
- The meetings and the establishment of Azerbaijan-Israel International Association shows that this visit will serve to the expansion of bilateral relations between our countries. This association will make Azeri Jews have active part in socio-political life of Israel and unite for Azerbaijan. These steps will assist the expansion and strengthening of relations existing between our countries.
- Azerbaijani Diaspora in Israel does not only unite ethnic Azeris, but also Jews who moved from Azerbaijan. How do you estimate this factor?
- The aim of the State Committee for Azeris living abroad is not only to unite ethnic Azeris but also World Azerbaijanis, and the representatives of the nations that have close relations with Azerbaijani Republic. This association is the organization of the Jews who moved to Israel. The association also includes the commission uniting ethnic Azeris. Both Azeris living in Israel and the Jews moved to Israel from Azerbaijan should not forget Azerbaijan and should take measures to spread our cultural heritage in this country. These factors will strengthen existing friendship and bilateral relations between our peoples and countries.
- Have you met with Israeli officials during your visit?
- I had meetings with speaker of Israeli Knesset and Acting President of Israel Dalia Itzik, Deputy Premier Lieberman, Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz. At the same time, I had also meetings with Eurasian Department chiefs of Israel Foreign Ministry. These meetings will assist the expansion of Azerbaijan-Israel relations. Israeli officials have broad information about processes in Azerbaijan, socio-economic reforms and President Ilham Aliyevâ€™s policy. I believe that Azerbaijan-Israel International Association will properly carry out its mission. /APA/