The Establishment of Azerbaijan’s Diplomatic Representation in Israel: Historical, Economic, and Military-Political Determinants
Majnun Hasanov
Abstract. This article examines the historical, economic and military-political reasons for the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Israel in the first quarter of 2023. The opening of the official diplomatic representation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Israel is considered by both Azerbaijani and Israeli political experts as the culmination of relations between the two countries. Israel was one of the first states to recognize the Republic of Azerbaijan, which had just declared its independence in October 1991, on December 25, 1991. Within a short period of time — 103 days later, on April 7, 1992, de jure diplomatic relations were established between the two countries, and in August 1993, Israel elevated these relations to the level of embassy. The close relations between the two countries are considered by the international community to be based mainly on economic interests. However, this approach does not fully reflect the historical depth of the relations. The history of relations between the Azerbaijani and Jewish peoples goes back millennia. The Jewish community, which has lived in Azerbaijan for centuries, has played an important role in the formation and development of these relations. However, despite all these positive factors, Azerbaijan has long postponed the opening of its official diplomatic mission in Israel due to a number of regional-geopolitical reasons. Azerbaijan’s membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Karabakh conflict, the Iranian factor in the region, and other reasons have delayed the opening of a de jure diplomatic mission in Israel.
Keywords: Azerbaijan – Israel relations, Armenia, Energy security, Iran – Azerbaijan relations, Military cooperation, Nagorno – Karabakh war, Regional actors