POLITICS
Discussions on Azerbaijan held as part of American Israel Public Affairs Committee`s policy conference in Washington
Baku, March 4 (AZERTAC). Discussions on Israel`s relations with South Caucasus states were held as part of a policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee took place on March 2-4 in Washington D.C.
Svante Cornell, Research Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program of the Johns Hopkins University and Brenda Shaffer, senior lecturer of the University of Haifa participated in the discussions.
Speaking at the event Azerbaijani ambassador to the United States Elin Suleymanov highlighted Azerbaijan-U.S. relationship. He said the two countries closely cooperate in fight against terrorism. The ambassador stressed the United States` political support for realization of regional energy projects.
The diplomat also spoke of the history of Azerbaijan-Israel relations. He said Jewish community peacefully co-exist and thrive in Azerbaijan. Suleymanov added Azerbaijan meets 40 percent of Israel`s energy needs. He also underlined the importance of reciprocal visits of Azerbaijani and Israeli officials in expansion of bilateral relations.
According to Suleymanov, ethnic and religious diversity is Azerbaijan`s national wealth. He added Azerbajan had become a model platform for interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Svante Cornell spoke of the strategic geographic position of the South Caucasus region which he described as a corridor between the West and East. Cornell stressed the importance of the fact that Azerbaijan was committed to cooperation with Israel.
Brenda Shaffer spoke of the tolerance that she eye-witnessed in Azerbaijan. She noted though 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories were under Armenian occupation the country resolutely condemns terrorism and always prefers peace.
The annual AIPAC Policy Conference is the largest gathering of the pro-Israel movement. Thousands of participants came from all 50 states to take part in “three of the most important days affecting Israel’s future.”