President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Azerbaijan has been canceled due to Turkey prohibiting Israeli aircraft from its airspace. He was set to attend the COP29 climate conference and had previously emphasized the importance of the Israel-Azerbaijan relationship.
President Isaac Herzog has canceled his visit to Azerbaijan, as reported by the Azerbaijani news outlet Caliber, which attributed the cancellation to Turkey’s recent ban on Israeli aircraft from utilizing its airspace. This decision comes as President Herzog was scheduled to attend the COP29 climate conference on November 20, where he would join numerous other world leaders. Initial reports suggested that security concerns, stemming from Azerbaijan’s proximity to Iran, were the primary reason for the cancellation.
The relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan has been deemed significant, encompassing various sectors such as defense, trade, tourism, and energy. Herzog has previously expressed pride regarding Israel’s proactive stance on climate change, particularly during a reception for the Israeli delegation heading to Baku for the annual United Nations Conference on Climate Change. In addition, Azerbaijan marked a milestone in 2023 by becoming the first Shia Muslim country to establish an embassy in Israel, further enhancing bilateral ties.
In summary, President Herzog’s trip to Azerbaijan was canceled primarily due to Turkey’s airspace restrictions on Israeli aircraft, despite earlier indications that security concerns were the main factor. This highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics affecting international relations, particularly between Israel, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Furthermore, the ongoing cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan remains crucial amid regional tensions, notably concerning Iran.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
