At the International Space Conference held on Wednesday night, a significant milestone was reached as the Director of the Israeli Space Agency, Uri Oron, and the Chairman of the Azeri Space Agency, Samaddin Asadov, inked a historic cooperation agreement. This groundbreaking accord marks the first-ever collaboration in the realm of space exploration between the State of Israel and Azerbaijan.
The agreement, formalized during the annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC), paves the way for a multitude of joint ventures within the realm of space science and technology. These collaborative efforts are set to encompass the development of cutting-edge space technologies, the design and deployment of satellites, and the creation of systems for space exploration, including robotics, spacecraft, and advanced optical systems. Additionally, the partnership extends to academic collaboration, Earth observation and monitoring initiatives, educational projects, and much more.
Israel Aerospace Industries and the Space Agency of Azerbaijan sign cooperation agreement for the sale of two advanced IAI satellites. According to Azerbaijan, the deal is valued at $120 million. 🇮🇱 🛰️ 🇦🇿https://t.co/UCRFGB7Sjl
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) October 4, 2023
Ofir Akunis, Israel's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, highlighting its significance on both economic and political fronts. He noted, "The agreement is further evidence of the strengths of science, innovation, and the Israeli space industry. Israel's international position is solid and getting stronger all the time. The agreement with Azerbaijan has important economic and political implications, and I congratulate everyone who contributed to its success."
Uri Oron, Director of the Israel Space Agency, emphasized the foundational role of this memorandum of understanding in fostering and reinforcing the relationship between the two nations. "In an era marked by the rapid expansion of the space industry, this agreement positions the State of Israel to engage in critical business, research, and academic partnerships that are indispensable for the growth and development of Israel's space sector."
Israel's ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Dick, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collective efforts of both Israeli and Azerbaijani parties that culminated in the signing of these understandings. He articulated a shared commitment to further expanding cooperation into new technological domains, with the overarching goal of benefiting both countries and their respective populations.
It's worth noting that this significant achievement in space collaboration coincides with recent reports on Israel's involvement in supporting Azerbaijan's efforts to reclaim Nagorno-Karabakh and providing military assistance during its offensive operation last month, which resulted in the reintegration of the ethnic Armenian enclave.
Israel has quietly helped fuel Azerbaijan’s campaign to recapture Nagorno-Karabakh, supplying powerful weapons to the country ahead of its lightening offensive last month that brought the Armenian separatist enclave in its territory back under its control. https://t.co/HXRzzrXlyF
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 5, 2023
According to an AP report, in the weeks leading up to Azerbaijan's military campaign, military cargo planes were observed shuttling between air bases in southern Israel and the airport near Nagorno-Karabakh. These flights drew attention from Armenian officials in Yerevan, who were wary of the strategic alliance between Israel and Azerbaijan. The situation shed light on Israel's national interests in the region.
Armen Akopian, Armenia's ambassador to Israel, expressed concern about the use of Israeli weaponry in the conflict and called for greater consideration of the plight of those who had been displaced from their homeland, alluding to the claims made by Armenian officials regarding the forced expulsion of ethnic Armenians from the region. UN officials, however, have reported differently following their visit to Nagorno-Karabakh earlier this week.
