Israel’s Foreign Minister Sa’ar Visits Baku amid Rising Regional Tensions
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Baku to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan amid escalating regional tensions. His visit comes as Iran faces widespread protests and a violent crackdown, which has reportedly led to significant casualties.
Background on Regional Tensions
During his meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Sa’ar condemned Iran’s actions. He expressed concern over the overwhelming violence against protesters in Iran, noting the government’s brutality against its citizens.
Critical Statements from Sa’ar
- Sa’ar described the situation in Iran as a “massacre of unimaginable proportions.”
- He questioned how a regime that treats its own population so harshly might behave towards other nations.
Israel has voiced support for the protesters in Iran, who are demanding change from the Islamic Republic. Azerbaijan, in turn, is closely monitoring any developments as they impact the country’s ethnic Azeri population, estimated at 15-20 million.
Economic Ties and Cooperation
Sa’ar’s visit included a substantial business delegation of over 40 Israeli companies, focusing on various sectors. This delegation aimed to strengthen economic relations between Israel and Azerbaijan, particularly in the following areas:
- Energy
- Defence
- Water Management
- Agriculture
- Tourism
Investment Figures and Statistics
Investment between the two nations stands at approximately $600 million. Notably, Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR, has made a landmark investment by acquiring a 10% stake in an Israeli gas field.
In terms of tourism, around 60,000 Israeli tourists visited Azerbaijan in 2025, indicating growing interest. Currently, there are about 130 Israeli-invested commercial entities operating in the country.
Cultural Connections
Azerbaijan hosts a significant Jewish community of approximately 30,000 people. This community resides alongside a majority Muslim population, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of the country.
Future Prospects
Moving forward, both countries aim to bolster their collaboration. A memorandum was signed between the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs Organizations of Azerbaijan and the Manufacturers Association of Israel. This initiative will facilitate business missions and investment studies, further enhancing mutual economic interest.
Sa’ar emphasized that both nations are pillars of stability in their regions, boasting advanced economies and a foundation of political trust. Their constructive dialogue may pave the way for continued cooperation and partnership in the future.
