Gideon Sa’ar visits Baku to strengthen strategic Azerbaijan-Israel ties and energy cooperation

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived in Baku to prepare for the upcoming Azerbaijan-Israel business forum, meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

During their meeting on Monday (January 26), President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the discussions held between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Israel in Davos just days prior, where key items on the bilateral agenda were addressed. The official statement emphasized that relations between the two nations are developing successfully across various sectors, most notably in trade, economy, energy, and tourism.

Sa’ar noted that his visit to Baku included a delegation of representatives from major corporations and the broader business community. He underscored that the forthcoming Azerbaijan-Israel business forum would significantly contribute to the advancement of commercial and economic ties. Both officials also commended the role of the intergovernmental commission in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Decision to strengthen Azerbaijan-Israel private sector relations

According to reports from Azernews, Azerbaijani officials announced following their meetings with Israeli counterparts in Baku that political and economic coordination would be deepened. The discussions focused on expanding ties in energy, trade, tourism, and investment, serving as a direct follow-up to the high-level contacts established in Davos.

Meetings involving business representatives from both countries concentrated on private sector cooperation, mutual trade opportunities, investment partnerships, and the enhancement of business-to-business (B2B) contacts.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov: Our relations with Israel are of strategic importance

During a joint press conference in Baku, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that the relationship between the two countries is “steadily developing” and carries strategic significance.

Bayramov reminded attendees that the leaders of both nations had met in Davos only a few days ago. He noted that regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries are ongoing, alongside the continued activities of intergovernmental and inter-parliamentary bodies.

Bayramov confirmed that the Azerbaijan-Israel Economic Forum was being held in Baku with Sa’ar’s participation, noting that the two sides discussed “new opportunities and perspectives” in addition to existing contracts and projects.

Tourism was highlighted as a prominent area for growth. Bayramov revealed that the number of Israeli tourists visiting Azerbaijan in 2025 has doubled compared to 2024. He added that there are currently 20 flights operating between the two countries, with negotiations underway to increase this number.

Regarding regional issues, Bayramov expressed hope for a “long-term ceasefire” in Gaza. He stated that the parties involved support “peaceful dialogue and negotiation” as the means to resolve existing problems.

Foreign Minister Sa’ar emphasized that he attended the Davos meetings alongside representatives of “big business” and argued that the economic forum in Baku would further expand commercial relations. Sa’ar also noted that energy cooperation has been fortified by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) acquiring a 10% stake in a major Israeli energy project in the Mediterranean.

Sa’ar: No need for normalization with Türkiye, we already have a relationship

In an interview with APA during his Baku visit, the Israeli diplomat shared insights regarding relations with Syria and Türkiye.

Noting that while the two countries enjoyed very strong ties in the past, Sa’ar observed a deterioration in recent years. However, he asserted that Israel does not require “normalization” with Türkiye, as a relationship already exists.

Contending that the relationship had soured due to “Türkiye’s preference,” Sa’ar continued:

“Everyone can speculate about the reasons, but I will not speculate on the reasons in this interview; it is simply a fact. We have no intention of further worsening our relations with Türkiye.”

The Israeli minister recalled a meeting held approximately one month ago between senior officials from both sides to establish a “mechanism that would be useful in such situations.” He also noted that while Minister Bayramov had previously conveyed messages to Türkiye on Israel’s behalf, this practice has recently ceased.

“I hope we reach a different and better future in our relations with Türkiye, but that depends entirely on the Turkish side,” Sa’ar said.

Regarding Syria, Sa’ar stated he does not anticipate normalization in the near future. He explained that current negotiations are focused on “accepting the existing status quo in southern Syria from a security perspective.”

Underlining that this is important for both sides, Sa’ar nevertheless emphasized that it remains a “limited agreement” rather than a peace or normalization pact.

“Perhaps we can achieve more than this in the future, and I hope we can do so by preventing tensions,” Sa’ar concluded.