68th anniversary of Israel Independence marked

/By Azernews/

By Amina Nazarli

Israel's 68th Anniversary of Independence was marked with a solemn ceremony on May 18 in Baku.

Azerbaijani officials, ambassadors of foreign countries accredited in Baku, MPs, representatives of international organizations attended the ceremony to celebrate the event.

The Ambassador of Israel to Azerbaijan Dan Stav addressed the event, speaking about the development of his country. He said the country has seen great progress in the economic and cultural spheres over the past years.

Stav spoke about the political, economic and cultural ties between Israel and Azerbaijan. Expressing satisfaction on the expanding ties between the two friendly countries, the Ambassador said that the mutual visits and high-level meetings provide a good basis for the further development of bilateral relations.

The diplomat expressed his gratitude for tolerance and conditions created for all the peoples living in Azerbaijan, including the Jews.

Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora Nazim Ibrahimov, in turn, congratulated the people of Israel with a significant day on behalf of the Azerbaijani government.

Ibrahimov said that the Jewish community living in Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani community living in Israel play an important role in expanding relations between the two countries.

The Azerbaijani and Jewish peoples have a long tradition of tolerance and interaction. Estimated 9,000 Jews in the country are "fully part" of Azerbaijani society.

Several synagogues are operating in the capital of Azerbaijan, as well as in Guba and Oguz regions. Synagogue, opened in Baku in 2003 is one of the largest in Europe. In September 2003, the first Jewish school was opened in Baku.

Israel recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan very shortly after the official dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel were established in April 1992. The strategic relationship included cooperation in trade and security matters, cultural and educational exchanges.