CANADA-BASED JEWISH TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER PUBLISHES AZERI AMBASSADOR`S ARTICLE

Baku, February 6 (AzerTAc). The Canada-based Jewish Tribune newspaper has published an article by Azerbaijani ambassador in Toronto Farid Shafiyev entitled “Azerbaijan: a proud history of good relations with Israel and the Jewish people”.
The article says “modern Azerbaijan, based on a model of secularism, developed good relations with Jewish communities all over the world and especially with Israel.”
“For centuries, the Jewish people have lived in Azerbaijan peacefully. Azerbaijan prides itself on a history of tolerance, which includes a Jewish community that goes back hundreds of years.”
“Many Jews made significant contributions to Azerbaijani science and culture.”
The article goes on to say the Azerbaijani-Canadian community and the Jewish community of Canada enjoy “warm and very good relations today.”
Touching upon the relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel, the diplomat says “Azerbaijan and Israel have developed a relationship in the political sphere.”
“In 1997, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to Baku, relations entered a new phase.”
“Another recent important step in strengthening the bilateral relations was a historic state visit of Israeli President Shimon Peres to Azerbaijan on June 28, 2009.”
“Israel considers Azerbaijan its important strategic partner in the region,” the article says.