The procedure to open an embassy in Israel was started by the parliament of Azerbaijan on Friday, making it the first country with a majority of Shi’ite Muslims to do so.
Following this incident, Prime Minister Yair Lapid issued a statement in which he noted that “Azerbaijan is a key ally of Israel and home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the Muslim world.”
“The decision to establish an embassy is a reflection of the close ties that exist between our two nations.
The Israeli government’s efforts to forge solid and diplomatic relations with the Muslim world are what led to this action, he continued.
Azerbaijan established a tourism office in Israel in April last year and also inked a memorandum of cooperation.
The two countries’ diplomatic ties were established thirty years ago this month.
In October, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz traveled to Azerbaijan to promote defense cooperation and discuss security and policy.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel purchases 40% of its oil from Azerbaijan and 27% of its principal arms imports from 2011 to 2020, including 69% from 2016 to 2020.
Iran poses a threat to both Israel and Azerbaijan.
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