
A presentation on “Azerbaijan – Land of Fire” has been organized in Gunma Prefectural Women`s University by the embassy of Azerbaijan to Tokyo. The event took place as part of the 20th anniversary of establishment of Azerbaijan-Japan diplomatic relations.
Opening the event, professor of the University Yoshie Kobayashi said the Japanese people keep a close eye on the progress made in Azerbaijan over the past 20 years. She noted the purpose of the presentation was to get additional information about Azerbaijan, which had become the regional leader. The professor also said Azerbaijan was a strategic partner of Japan in the region.
Azerbaijan`s ambassador Gursel Ismayilzade spoke of political, social and economic reforms carried out in Azerbaijan since the country regained independence. The ambassador recalled national leader Heydar Aliyev`s official visit to Japan in 1998, saying it gave impetus to development of bilateral relationship. The diplomat added that President Ilham Aliyev`s visit to Japan in 2006 opened new pages in cooperation between the two countries. Ismayilzade said as a result of successful reforms Azerbaijan became a democratic state with stable political system. “Azerbaijan is also a country with rapid economic development. The Azerbaijani government puts special emphasis on development of non-oil sector.”
The ambassador also briefed the participants on Azerbaijan`s international image, recalling that the country secured a seat on the UN Security Council. The event also featured a documentary on Azerbaijan`s history, culture, carpets and tourism potential. The participants were also informed about numerous projects carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation under first lady, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva.
Ismayilzade also touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying that in the wake of Armenia`s aggressive policy more than one million Azerbaijanis were driven out from their original lands by force. “Due to Armenia`s non-constructive position the conflict still remains unsettled. Official Yerevan does not honor documents adopted by international organizations on unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories.”
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AzerTAc/