Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

An Azerbaijani delegation including heads of executive authorities of several cities and districts has visited Japan Yokohama to meet the city administration and management of the JGC company.

Addressing the event, Director of the Office of International Policy of Yokohama Makoto Sekiyama gave an insight into the city, which is known for its modern technologies.

The meeting featured the presentation of the "Minato Miray" (21st District of the Future) project, implemented in Yokohama.

Head of the Azerbaijani delegation, Deputy Head of the Department for the Work with the Regional Administration and Local Self-Governing Bodies of the Presidential Administration Huseyn Movsumov spoke of Azerbaijan's rapid development in recent years.

Movsumov said the country had been developing rapidly although 20 percent of the Azerbaijani lands are under Armenian occupation.

He also spoke of the country's achievements in socio-economic development field and said the economic and humanitarian cooperation between Yokohama and Azerbaijan's districts would be fruitful for the both sides.

Giving a background of the economic development indicators of Agjabadi, Masalli, Shabran, Gabala, Gusar, Yardimli, as well as Baku's Sabail, Khatai, Surakhani, Yasamal districts and city of Shaki, he noted that Yasamal and Surakhani districts are ready to organize a friendship exchange with Yokohama in different fields.

A draft intent protocol on the exchange of friendship and partnership was presented to the Japanese side afterwards.

The delegation then got familiar with the JGC company, the author of the "Smart City" project.

Vice-President of the company Yutaka Yamazaki noted that application of the company's experience and solutions in this field would be fruitful in Azerbaijan.

The head of the Azerbaijani delegation, in turn, noted they would explore the proposals and thanked for sincere reception and hospitality.

The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the port of the city and was informed about its activity.

The diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Japan were established in 1992.

Relations between the two countries continue developing. Thus, Japan was one of the first countries to support Azerbaijan's forward-looking oil strategy. Today two major Japanese companies Itochu and Impex are involved in the Contract of the Century. Leaders of Japanese business, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Marubeni, and Sojits are involved in the energy and infrastructure projects in the country.