This day will be remembered as a significant milestone in the history of both the foreign policy and energy sectors of the State of Israel

On this day, licences were issued to SOCAR from Azerbaijan, British Petroleum from the UK and NewMed from Israel to explore for gas in Israeli waters.

This development follows the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan, initiated by the former's opening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Israel two years prior. The present day marks a significant milestone with SOCAR, a state-owned enterprise of Azerbaijan, undertaking a historic investment in gas exploration outside the territorial boundaries of Azerbaijan.

This development is of significant historical importance and is widely regarded as a substantial vote of confidence in the State of Israel.

Natural gas is a strategic resource that strengthens a state's economic and political position in the world in general and in the Middle East in particular. Consequently, as Minister of Energy, my policy is to expand natural gas production for the domestic market and for export.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my colleague, the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabarov. The joint efforts of both nations will serve to consolidate the bonds between our peoples and our respective states.

Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Eli Cohen

Photo: Shlomi Amsalem

Igor Roytapel
Chief of the AJM bureau in Israel