Rivlin tries to smooth ties with Armenia after arms sales to Azerbaijan

President Reuven Rivlin has spoken on the phone to his Armenian counterpart Armen Sarkissian amid anger in Yerevan over Israeli arms sales to Azerbaijan as a border dispute between the countries flares.

“President Rivlin expressed his sorrow at the outbreak of violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and at the loss of life on both sides. He added that the State of Israel has longstanding relations with Azerbaijan and that the cooperation between the two countries is not aimed against any side,” a statement from his office reads.

“The president also noted that the State of Israel is interested in promoting relations with Armenia and is prepared to offer humanitarian aid, and that we welcome the opening of the Armenian embassy in Israel and hope that the Armenian ambassador will return soon,” it adds.