Dr. Carsten Sander Christensen political reporter for “Azerbaijan Today” magazine, had an interview with  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Azerbaijan Mr. Ronen Krausz.

A.T.: Mr. Ronen Krausz, first congratulations with your new job and it is an honour   for Azerbaijan Today magazine to make this interview. As an experienced diplomat, you worked as a deputy ambassador in Azerbaijan, 10 years ago, Your Excellency, how do you anticipate this new role of yours will impact on the bilateral relations between Israel and Azerbaijan in a changed world?

R.K.: First of all, thank you for the warm words and for this opportunity. Returning to Azerbaijan after a decade feels both familiar and new and involves new opportunities and is enriched with new excitements. I believe my new role allows me to build on the strong foundations of trust and friendship that already exist between our two countries, and to adapt them to today’s global challenges. My goal is to further deepen our partnership in areas ranging from energy and security to innovation, water, agriculture, tourism, health, culture, and of course people-to-people ties.

A.T.: Mr. Ambassador, as one of the only countries on the planet, there has never been anti-Semitism in Azerbaijan. It is an example of how people of different nationalities and religions can live together in friendship and mutual respect. Could you please mention two or three main reasons to the secret of the very good relations between Israel and Azerbaijan?

R.K.: Indeed, Azerbaijan is unique in that Jews have lived here for centuries in peace and dignity, side by side with their neighbours. That spirit of respect and honour to minorities is a treasure and the fact that in November Baku is going to host for the first time the Conference of European Rabbis with the participation of Hundreds of Rabbis from Europe and other countries is a living proof for that.

As for the main reasons for our excellent relations I see three main reasons: Mutual respect and shared values both nations cherish their identity; sovereignty and independence. Strategic cooperation in traditional sectors which have developed to wide range of new fields of interests and the People-to-people friendship which enjoys a mutual respect based on connection between the Jewish communities in Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani community in Israel who act as living bridge between our countries.

A.T.: Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of three empires – Persian, Ottoman, and Russian – on the key Middle Trade Route between Asia and Europe. It holds the keys to many doors in our challenging region, doors it strives to open for its friends. And in line with the changes in the global political system, how do you see the strategic close relations between Israel and Azerbaijan in a future changed world.

R.K.: Azerbaijan is indeed at a historic crossroads, and this gives it both responsibilities and opportunities. Israel sees Azerbaijan as a trusted partner in a region that is critical for the stability of Eurasia. In a world where alliances are shifting, the Israel–Azerbaijan relationship stands out as a model of pragmatic, forward-looking cooperation. I am confident that this partnership will only grow in importance as the world continues to change.

A.T.: We all know that Israel has achieved even very fine food yields with agriculture under very difficult soil conditions. Would it be a future possibility for Israel to make an agricultural bilateral agreement with Azerbaijan, so that the country’s agricultural sector would gain new opportunities for increased and better production with Israeli expertise?

R.K.: Israel has accumulated decades of expertise in agriculture under very challenging conditions — desert climates, water scarcity, and poor soil. We are eager to share this knowledge. Discussions on agricultural cooperation are ongoing and there are a few active companies who work in Azerbaijan. I believe there is great potential for bilateral cooperation in this field that would help Azerbaijan increase yields, diversify production, and introduce smart technologies such as drip irrigation, climate smart seeds and greenhouse solutions.

A.T.: Mr. Ambassador. if we look at the trade balance between Israel and Azerbaijan, it appears that Azerbaijan supplies 40% of Israel’s oil. Furthermore, over 120 Israeli companies operate there, with many more exploring the possibility of relocating. Do you think a very close strategic cooperation between the two countries, including products as chemicals, metals and medical and industrial equipments could be achievable within a short number of years?

R.K.: You are right. Azerbaijan is a vital energy partner for Israel and we were happy to see SOCAR invests directly in acquiring 10% of the Tamar gas reservoir and winning the tender for Gaz exploration in Zone I in the Mediterranean. In turn Israel is increasingly a technology partner for Azerbaijan. With dozens of companies already active here, we see opportunities in areas such as agrotech, cybersecurity, healthcare, water management, renewable energy, and advanced industry. Expanding cooperation into general innovation, fintech, AI and Meditech is very realistic, and with the right frameworks, it I hope it could happen in the near future.

A.T.: In the Karabakh region, in the liberated territories, the Azerbaijan state and companies are carrying out large-scale construction works, are you, Mr. Ambassador, aware of any Israeli companies that are currently or will in future be operating in this areas?

R.K.: Israel respects the enormous reconstruction efforts Azerbaijan is leading in the liberated territories. Some Israeli companies have shown interest in areas such as smart agriculture, water treatment, green energy, and infrastructure technologies. While I cannot announce specific projects today, I am optimistic that Israeli expertise will contribute positively to the rebuilding of Karabakh.

A.T.: Mr. Ambassador, the Jewish quarter and the Shabran Synagogue near Baku date back over 1,400 years and furthermore the first Jews should have arrived in the 7th century BC. Around 15,000 Israelis out of more than 2,000,000  tourists visit Azerbaijani every year. What measures, do you think could be taken in Israel to significantly increase the number of Israelis in Azerbaijan, in a way that Israelis could rediscover their past in this country?

R.K.: The Jewish heritage of Azerbaijan is unique and deeply moving. For Israelis, visiting Quba and the old synagogues is not just tourism, it is reconnecting with history. This year we have already seen a significant increase in the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan and discovering its treasures and we hope to set a new tourist record. The number of direct flights between the countries has increased significantly to more than 20 per week and we hope that another company will join in the near future.

A.T.: Mr. Ambassador, how do you see the good relationship with Azerbaijan and the Israeli stronghold in the South Caucasian country incorporated in a future Israeli foreign and defense policy, in a new world order in the Middle East Region?

R.K.: Azerbaijan is a cornerstone of Israel’s engagement in the South Caucasus. Our relationship contributes not only to bilateral ties but also to regional stability. In the context of a changing Middle East, marked by new partnerships, alongside with opportunities versus the Central Asian region, Israel sees Azerbaijan as a vital partner whose voice and role will be increasingly important in shaping a peaceful and cooperative regional order.

A.T.: With the peace agreement in August between Azerbaijan and Armenia, new perspectives are emerging in the region. Where do you see the greatest opportunities for increased trade and political cooperation with Azerbaijan in the near future?

R.K.: The peace agreement opens a historic window. For Azerbaijan, it means stability and the possibility of developing new regional connectivity projects. For Israel, it creates opportunities to expand trade, infrastructure cooperation, and cultural exchange in a more secure environment. Peace is always the best foundation for prosperity, and Israel stands ready to support Azerbaijan’s vision for a peaceful and connected South Caucasus.