By Anna Ghazaryan

YEREVAN.- Armenian News - NEWS.am presents an interview with the Israeli Minister of Information and Diaspora Yuli Edelstein.

During your visit to Armenia, you signed an agreement on cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, sports and youth. What are the prospects of development of the Armenian-Israeli relations in these areas?

In my view, the fact that I signed the mentioned agreement with the Minister of Culture shows that there is a specific purpose. The agreements mention specific dates, specific events and areas of work. For example, the Days of Israeli Culture will be held in Armenia in 2013. The days of Armenian Culture in Israel are scheduled for early 2014. Soon we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations. There will be a number of events organized by the Israeli Foreign Ministry. In addition, there are many aspects that require concrete actions, in particular, scientific exchange. As an Israeli, I can tell you that when you walk in Armenia’s History Museum, you realize that it is a country with which we can cooperate in the field of archeology. In many countries, archeology is something dating 300-400 years back, and in Armenia and Israel it is something having history of 3000-4000 years. The programs for youth are also in the focus of our attention.

Speaking about the South Caucasus - Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, what are Israel’s priorities for cooperation with each of these states?

Georgia is much more familiar to Israelis. It is explained by the fact that a large Jewish community moved from Georgia to Israel, there is a flow of tourists in both directions. The same can be said about Azerbaijan. Armenia, I suppose, is less familiar to Israel. Yes, there is a community, but the numbers are not the same. For instance, our delegation members opened their speeches saying “I am for the first time in Armenia”. There are definitely some positive changes which may lead to stronger interest. We also discussed the possibility of exchange of journalists in order to draw more attention to this country, which has great potential. There is an Armenian community in Israel, let alone the holy sites, and there is a real potential for mutual tourism.

Will there be any program targeted at exchange of experience between the media representatives from both states?

This issue was discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I think in the future we will be able to organize the exchange of delegations. I must say that I am much more interested in  journalists writing not on some topical political issues, but those covering culture, archeology, history, environment, industry and agriculture. I am sure that if such reporters are brought to Armenia, they will raise interesting questions, and vice versa.

One of the topical issues is the opening of the Israeli Embassy in Armenia. How do you see the prospects for opening the embassy in Yerevan?

Opening of an embassy, ​​to be honest, is purely a budgetary matter. Israel has always been interested in additional friends in the international arena, because we have to withstand tough voting in the UN and various international organizations. We would like to have embassies everywhere, but there is always a question of budget. I hope that under normal economic conditions, we will be able to open additional embassies. If there are significant changes in our relationship, more tourism, development of cultural ties, more flights – there will be a real necessity for the embassy opening. During my trip I noticed that people are interested in Israel, whether at the level of my counterparts in the government and parliament or common citizens. Ihope we will manage to cope with the issue of an embassy or consulate, or at least any permanent representation here in Yerevan.

You mentioned you visited some of the sights during your trip to Armenia. Share your impressions on Armenia?

You hit a sore point. It is like if you were given a menu, and you were going to choose a dish, and then suddenly you are told that it is time to leave. I was in about the same situation. When I was told a little about the country and watched some photos, I wanted to immediately see the excavations, monasteries, churches and ancient sites. Unfortunately, I had no time. Israelis are used to look down at those talking about old times. For some the meaning of old times is the 15th century, and we have - 15th century BC. In the case of Armenia, the notions are comparable. Secondly, here you can see the difference of cultures, interesting languages, different types of writing. Since I had once studied linguistics, it is very interesting for me. So, summing up, I have to come again for a little longer.