George Deek: "I thank Azerbaijan for its partnership in the fight against terrorism"

“I thank Azerbaijan for its partnership in the fight against terrorism, as well as for the condolences expressed regarding the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington D.C. yesterday (May 22),” stated George Deek, Israel's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Report informs.

The ambassador shared this insight at an international scientific-practical conference "The role, duties and responsibilities of supervisory authorities in combating money laundering and terrorist financing."

"Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism has resurfaced. Yesterday, two Israeli embassy staff members were killed on the street in Washington. From here, I once again extend my condolences to their families, our embassy in Washington, and our diplomatic corps," the ambassador noted.

He praised Azerbaijan's response to this incident: "I thank Azerbaijan for its partnership in the fight against terrorism here and elsewhere, as well as for the condolences expressed regarding the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington yesterday."

Drawing attention to the use of technology by terrorists, the ambassador said: "Terrorism evolves like technology and becomes more complex. While artificial intelligence and modern technologies offer promising opportunities, these technologies pose a serious threat when they fall into the hands of terrorists."

Deek emphasized that such events are important for global cooperation: "Azerbaijan and the organizers of this significant conference are dealing with a topic that concerns us all - the acquisition of property through criminal means and, more importantly, the threat of terrorism and how to stop its financing. Such conferences are platforms that bring us together - whether bilaterally, trilaterally, or through international organizations like FATF. Together, we must work to limit terrorist financing and combat criminal activity."

Touching on cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan, the ambassador stated: "In recent years, our bilateral relations with Azerbaijan have deepened and expanded, especially in the areas of security and counter-terrorism. Information received today showed that the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from Israel has more than doubled compared to last year."

He also expressed hope for the work of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission with Azerbaijan: "We hope that the commission will meet soon. We will take our bilateral trade and cooperation to a new level by expanding in technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, water, medicine, and other areas."

The killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington occurred as they were leaving an event at the Jewish Museum. The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, has been detained.