Mideast Security and Policy Studies No. 110
Since gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has emerged as one of Israelโs closest friends in the Muslim world. Although Turkey remains Azerbaijanโs closest ally, the deterioration in Israeli-Turkish relations has not changed Israelโs relationship with the energy rich and strategically located Azerbaijan. Over the last twenty years, the ties between Israel and Azerbaijan have improved drastically. Israelโs interest in receiving reliable oil supplies from Azerbaijan, a strategically important supplier of oil, is a major factor in Azerbaijani-Israel relations. Similarly, Israel serves has an important supplier of advanced weapon systems to Azerbaijan and an advocate in Washington. In the foreseeable future, it is likely that Azerbaijani-Israeli relations will only increase in areas such as scientific cooperation, information technology, medicine, water purification, agriculture and cultural exchanges. More importantly, strategic cooperation in defense and intelligence fields, as well as in the fight against terror, has proven that two small countries located in an expanded Middle East, have found the unique blend for a successful symbiotic relationship in a highly insecure environment.
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(Photo Credit: Amos Ben Gershom GPO)