Azerbaijan’s First Ambassador to Israel Received by Herzog

By Matis Glenn

Following recent developments in bilateral relations between Israel and Azerbaijan, the Muslim country’s first ambassador to Israel was received Sunday by President Yitzchak Herzog.

Herzog accepted the credentials of Mukhtar Mamed Oglu Mamdov, in an event in which the national anthems of both countries were played, as the ambassador signed Herzog’s guest book.

Azerbaijan first established relations with Israel 30 years ago, and the latter has maintained an embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital since the 90’s. Ties between Israel and Azerbaijan have been strengthened in recent years amid the threat posed by Iran, with Azerbaijan announcing plans to open an embassy in Israel last year and appointing Oglu Mamdov in January as ambassador. Around 40% of Israel’s oil imports come from Azerbaijan.