Israel’s Foreign Minister Heads Trade Mission to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar embarked Sunday on a landmark diplomatic and economic tour to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, leading a high-level delegation of over 40 Israeli business leaders and government officials. The visit reflects Israel’s ongoing effort to strengthen regional alliances and expand trade and cooperation across the Muslim world under the growing umbrella of the Abraham Accords.

In Baku, Sa’ar is scheduled to meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jihon Bayermov, along with other senior government figures. The visit underscores the strategic relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan a country with shared security interests, robust energy ties, and a warm relationship with its Jewish community, estimated at between 16,000 and 30,000 people.

As part of his itinerary, Sa’ar will meet with leaders of Azerbaijan’s Jewish community, further solidifying the historic bonds between the Jewish state and this key regional ally.

The second leg of the visit takes Sa’ar to Astana, where he is expected to hold talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Foreign Minister Yermak Kusharbayev. This visit carries special significance, as Kazakhstan formally joined the Abraham Accords in November, signaling a new era of openness and cooperation between the Central Asian nation and Israel.

While in Kazakhstan, Sa’ar will participate in events marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day and meet with the local Jewish community, reinforcing Israel’s global efforts to combat antisemitism and preserve historical memory.

The Israeli delegation includes prominent figures from a wide range of sectors: water and agriculture technology, cyber and defense industries, healthcare, finance, and infrastructure development. These fields align with the strategic interests of both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, countries seeking to modernize their economies while benefiting from Israeli innovation.

Business forums will be held in both Baku and Astana, where Israeli and local leaders will engage in joint meetings to explore bilateral projects and forge new partnerships. The goal is to generate sustainable trade agreements and strategic collaborations that benefit both sides.

This visit is more than a diplomatic gesture it’s a clear signal that Israel’s relationships in the Muslim world are deepening. With the Abraham Accords continuing to serve as a catalyst for new alliances, Israel is seizing the opportunity to build trust, expand its influence, and open new markets for Israeli expertise.

Israel's outreach to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan demonstrates that diplomacy, innovation, and shared interests can bridge divides and create a stronger, more connected region.

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