TREND, Azerbaijan
Aug. 25, 2006
Israeli Ambassador: Delivery of first Azeri oil load to Israel via
BTC pipeline is important event
Source: Trend
Author: À.Ismayilova
25.08.2006
Trend ‘s exclusive interview with Artur Lenk, Israeli Ambassador to
Azerbaijan
– On August 25, Israel received the first Azeri oil load via
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline..
– Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline is extending links between Azerbaijan
and Israel. And the first oil delivery is an important event indeed.
I think transportation of this oil to Mediterranean Sea I important
as there are many countries and purchasers in there, especially in
view of growth of demand for this fuel.
Our countries are good partners and we hope we can strengthen it.
Taking into account that Israel is very close to Ceyhan Azeri oil is
delivered to, official Baku says Israel is oen of the main exporters
of Azeri oil.
– There is a group of Israeli businessmen in Baku now. Which spheres
are especially interesting for your entrepreneurs here?
– Israeli businessmen come to Azerbaijan very often. Yesterday I also
met with one group of businessmen. They are interested in such
spheres as construction, agriculture, industry and so. They are not
limited with some narrow niches, they are creative people and
therefore consider the most promising prospects. Israel has a
significant experience in the sphere of IT, telecommunications,
infrastructure and is eager to cooperate in these spheres with
Azerbaijan. I wouldn’t like to name any specific projects as they are
still being developed.
This will influence the growth of goods turnover between Azerbaijan
and Israel. I suggest the growth is primarily linked to the beginning
of BTC pipeline operation and mutual contacts among businessmen. The
number of Azeri companies willing to purchase Israeli technologies
has also grown up.
– What are the plans at the official level between Israel and
Azerbaijan?
– We are talking on some certain issues. For example, Azeri
government is going to sign an agreement on culture. We constantly
cooperate with your government in spheres of economy, foreign policy
and so. Besides, a group of Israeli writes is coming to Azerbaijan in
early September.
There is a big Azeri Diaspora residing in Israel. They are very fond
of Azerbaijan. Alongside, a very active Jewish community is residing
in Azerbaijan. Certainly, they consider themselves citizens of
Azerbaijan. This, alongside cooperation among businessmen, makes
Azeri-Israeli relations really outstanding.
– Can Azeri Diaspora in other countries rely on Jewish Diaspora
support, for example regarding settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh
problem?
– Azerbaijan has selected the way of conversations to solve this
problem. OSCE, supported by Minsk Group, is seeking for agreement
with Armenia. Israel and its people uphold the efforts President
Ilham Aliyev makes to resolve the conflict peacefully. Wee suggest
this agreement will match the interest of Azerbaijan and all the
nations residing in South Caucasus region.
– Last time less and less Jews move from Azerbaijan to Israel. In
your opinion, what is the reason for this?
– Israel is a historical motherland of all Jews. Jews lived in
post-Soviet countries, including Azerbaijan, decided to come home but
maintain relations with the country they were born in. Certainly, a
part of Jews did not move anywhere and still form a part of
Azerbaijan. Lat years several hundreds Jews have left Azerbaijan. But
compared to previous years this number is no so big. The situation in
Azerbaijan has utterly changed from the first years of independence.
But even the fact of Jews moving to Israel should not be the matter
of concern. Wherever they are, they represent Azerbaijan.
–Boundary_(ID_1L0JVilnLC91d/nAq/P/tg )–