**Article:**
Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen traveled to Baku to engage in discussions with Azerbaijani officials on enhancing cooperation in energy, defense, and tourism sectors. The visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Israel expressing support for protesters in Iran. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan continues to closely monitor its ethnic Azeri community residing in Iran.
During the talks, both countries emphasized the importance of expanding their strategic partnership, particularly in areas that could contribute to regional stability and economic growth. The discussions also touched on security concerns related to developments in neighboring Iran, reflecting the complex dynamics influencing the South Caucasus region.
**Why this matters:**
The visit highlights the growing cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan amid ongoing unrest in Iran and broader regional instability. Strengthening ties in energy and defense could have significant implications for security and economic relations in the South Caucasus. Additionally, Azerbaijan’s attention to its ethnic Azeri population in Iran underscores the interconnected nature of regional politics and ethnic identities.
Source: NewsData