Israel and Azerbaijan Sign AI Cooperation Agreement in Jerusalem (2026)

Israel Signs AI Memorandum with Azerbaijan Following U.S. Declaration

9th February 2026

Israel and Azerbaijan today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Artificial Intelligence at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. This agreement marks a further milestone in Israel’s drive—championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—to secure global leadership in AI, following a parallel joint declaration with the United States last month.

The MOU was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Netanyahu by Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal, Head of Israel’s National Artificial Intelligence Directorate, and Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport.

Both nations aim to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership through accelerated cooperation in AI. The collaboration will encompass supercomputing infrastructure, the integration of AI in vital civilian sectors, workforce development, and joint scientific research.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated:

“Welcome, Mr. Minister, and your distinguished delegation.
AI is Azerbaijan–Israel, and AI is artificial intelligence—and today we merge both meanings. Our partnership is longstanding. I recall my first visit to Azerbaijan with great fondness, and on my second, I witnessed the profound transformation taking place there.

Over the years our friendship has flourished, and now we are seizing the future together. AI is not merely the tool of tomorrow; it is the engine of the present, accelerating toward that future. We must ensure that our two nations stand at the forefront of this field, and I believe we can achieve far more jointly than separately.

I warmly welcome this agreement, and I know General Askal will advance close cooperation with our trusted ally, Azerbaijan. Many initiatives lie ahead, and this MOU is another step upward in strengthening our relationship.

Please convey my warmest regards to President Aliyev. We traditionally say, ‘next year in Jerusalem’—tell him that this year in Jerusalem would be even better. He will be most warmly received.”

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal added:

“The State of Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan share deep cooperation grounded in mutual respect, trust, and common challenges. Partnership in AI adds a crucial new dimension, reflecting the future trajectories of two nations confronting unique obstacles—and capable together of producing solutions that transform lives not only for our citizens but potentially for the world. Prime Minister Netanyahu has designated AI as a field in which Israel must achieve global leadership, and we are committed to realizing that vision.”