Azerbaijan's aide to foreign policy aide, Hikmet Hajib, in a special interview with Israel Today: "We want our allies to be friends among themselves" • On the US administration's recognition of the Armenian genocide: "This is a historic mistake"
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Photo:
Alex Kolomoisky, API
Over the past year, the quality of bilateral relations between Israel and Azerbaijan has skyrocketed.
One who has gained a large increase in his popularity as a result of this achievement is the assistant of President Ilham Aliyev to foreign policy, Hikmet Hajib, who is considered one of the few who dictates Azeri foreign policy.
In a special interview with Israel Today, Hajayev says that if Israel and Turkey express their willingness, Azerbaijan will be willing to host a trilateral conference with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to bridge the gaps between the two countries. It is a sister state of Azerbaijan and Israel is our strategic partner.
We want our companies to be friends with each other as well.
"If the parties agree to such a move, then Azerbaijan will always invite them."
What do you think sets Israel-Azerbaijan relations apart?
"Our relationship is not one that is based on words. They are strategic. We understand each other. I think the backbone of the relationship is precisely the relationship between the peoples. Israel-Azerbaijan relations are built on an honest historical understanding."
At the same time, like the State of Israel, Azerbaijan does not really know what the Biden administration's line is on the issues that concern it.
"We are still waiting for messages from the Biden administration," says Hajib, "the last two governments have not acted fully in the Caucasus. On the contrary, the Obama administration erred in its dealings with its members, including Israel. The same goes for Azerbaijan."
A major issue now facing Washington is the U.S. administration's recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Regarding this, Hajib's position is clear.
"This is a historic mistake," he says, "nothing can be compared to the Holocaust."
What is your position on the nuclear deal with Iran?
"We always support negotiations. The talks may be helpful and help understand between peoples."
Why does Azerbaijan have no embassy in Israel?
"When we come to Azerbaijan, the Israelis see the message of peace and there are Israeli flags all over Azerbaijan. It came from the heart of the people of Azerbaijan and expresses appreciation for the values of relations between the countries. We have excellent understandings and wonderful diplomatic ties."
One of the events that profoundly affected the Azeri people, and not just the Baku government, was a delegation of Israeli ophthalmologists who stopped their daily routine and took off for Azerbaijan to treat the victims of the first Karbach war.
"I was grateful," says Hajib, adding: "I want to wish Israel peace and express my appreciation that the Azeri and Israeli peoples are friends."