What the visit means to Azerbaijan-Israel Relations
Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration, is in Israel to foster robust ties between Azerbaijan and Israel.
The author first met Mr. Hajiyev in May 2017, during his tenure as Spokesperson and Head of Press Services at Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Impressed by his extensive knowledge, the author recalls Mr. Hajiyev once expressed to her, “I love you and I love Israel.” This sentiment reflects the strong bond he nurtures between the two nations.
Azerbaijan declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 30, 1991, and established diplomatic relations with Israel on April 7, 1992. Despite this long-standing relationship, Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Tel Aviv only on March 29, 2023, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
Recent developments have further solidified this partnership. Azerbaijan is a major supplier of Israel’s annual oil needs. During Israel’s recent conflicts with Hamas it has increased the supply to 55%, thus protecting Israel’s energy security. Additionally, Azerbaijan acquired a 10% stake in an Israeli gas field, facilitating Israel’s access to European markets. The national airlines of both countries have also formed a partnership, with Azerbaijan maintaining flights to Israel even during times of regional tension.
In February 2025, Mr. Hajiyev met with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Their discussions focused on strategic ties and the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords, signaling Azerbaijan’s growing role in regional diplomacy.
Beyond political and economic collaboration, Azerbaijan stands out as the only Muslim-majority country incorporating education about antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance Day into its national curriculum. This commitment to cultural understanding underscores the unique and evolving relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel, with Mr. Hajiyev playing a pivotal role in this ongoing partnership.
Read the full story:
Azerbaijan’s Mr. Hajiyev and Israel PM Netanyahu: Regional And Beyond Vision
