Herzog Cancels Azerbaijan Visit Amid Turkey’s Ban on Israeli Flights

President Isaac Herzog’s trip to Azerbaijan for the COP29 climate conference has been cancelled due to Turkey’s ban on Israeli aircraft from its airspace, as reported by Caliber. Initial speculations suggested security concerns tied to Iran’s proximity, while Herzog had previously celebrated Israel’s relationship with Azerbaijan and climate initiatives.

President Isaac Herzog’s scheduled visit to Azerbaijan has been cancelled, predominantly due to Turkey’s recent ban on Israeli aircraft from using its airspace. This information was reported by the Azerbaijani news outlet Caliber, which quoted a senior official from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Herzog was slated to attend the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan on November 20 alongside numerous global leaders. Initially, Israeli media speculated that the cancellation stemmed from security issues related to Azerbaijan’s proximity to Iran.

The relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan has developed significantly in recent years, emphasizing not only defense cooperation but also shared interests in trade, tourism, and energy. Azerbaijan notably became the first Shia Muslim nation to open an embassy in Israel in March 2023, marking a historical diplomatic milestone. President Herzog has previously expressed pride in Israel’s proactive stance on climate change and the strength of bilateral ties between Israel and Azerbaijan during his last visit to Baku in May 2022.

In summary, President Herzog’s cancellation of his trip to Azerbaijan can be attributed to Turkey’s airspace restrictions on Israeli flights, a factor emphasized by Caliber’s report. Despite earlier assumptions regarding security threats, this diplomatic tension underscores the complexities surrounding the relationships within the region. Herzog’s commitment to attending the climate conference reflects ongoing initiatives to address global challenges, even in light of geopolitical hurdles.

Original Source: www.jpost.com