Japan attaches great importance to expanding relations with Azerbaijan’

“Japan attaches great importance to expanding relations with Azerbaijan,” said Special Representative for Central Asia, Caucasus and GUAM of the Japanese Foreign Ministry Toshihiro Aiki as he met with Azerbaijani Deputy FM Khalaf Khalafov.

“It is important to hold the next meeting of the Azerbaijan-Japan Intergovernmental Economic Commission as soon as possible. Japan is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the fields of energy, industry, agriculture, high technologies and other areas of non-oil sector,” Aiki said.

He touched upon relations in humanitarian, cultural, scientific and educational fields. He underlined the significance of holding cultural events, expanding ties between regions of the two countries, and implementing exchange of students and teachers between Japanese and Azerbaijani universities.

Aiki then highlighted the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, saying Japan supports resolution of the dispute within the OSCE Minsk Group and in compliance with norms and principles of international law.

Deputy FM Khalafov said Azerbaijan put special emphasis on its relationship with Japan. He noted that the political consultations contributed to strengthening the bilateral ties and political dialogue.

The Deputy FM said Japan was a trusted partner for Azerbaijan.

He spoke of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, particularly the latest provocations committed by the Armenian units against Azerbaijani civilians. He also provided an insight into the recent meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Vienna.

/By Azertac/