Japan hopes to develop tourism relations with Azerbaijan
By Narmina Mammadova
Japan hopes to develop relations with Azerbaijan in tourism sector, Japanese Ambassador in Baku Teruyuki Katori told reporters at an event on the occasion of the Emperor's birthday on November 22.
The diplomat noted that trade relations between the two countries are developing rapidly.
"Azerbaijan and Japan have ensured the development of relations in various fields, especially in the energy sector. We are looking forward to expand relations in tourism and agriculture as well," Katori said.
From Azerbaijan, Japan mainly imports oil and agricultural products, the ambassador said, adding that the trade turnover between the two countries is $1 billion per annum.
Katori said that after a 19-year hiatus, the Japanese foreign minister visited Azerbaijan and held significant talks with senior officials of the country.
The ambassador expressed confidence that relations with Azerbaijan will further develop with the coming to power of the new emperor in Japan.
Japan has simplified the process of issuing multiple entry visas for Azerbaijani citizens, Teruyuki Katori told reporters at the event.
The ambassador noted that about 30 million tourists visit Japan every year and the influx of tourists to Japan continues to increase.
Speaking of economic cooperation, the ambassador noted that the Azeraijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, has been appointed co-chairman of the intergovernmental commission for economic relations.
"I am confident that under Babayev’s leadership, economic relations between the two countries will develop further," he added.
Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Babayev, in turn, noted that there have always been friendly relations and partnership between Azerbaijan and Japan.
"Azerbaijan and Japan have always contributed to peace and stability in the world. Japan’s support for Azerbaijan’s fair position in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is important," the minister said.
"There is a great potential for the development of economic relations, and a goal has been set to increase the bilateral trade. In addition, I would like to mention the prospects for opening direct flights. Japan’s use of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is also of great importance," Babayev said.
Japan recognized Azerbaijan on December 28, 1991. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Japan were established in 1992. Relations between the two countries have continued to develop steadily. A number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan. Japan was one of the first countries to support Azerbaijan's forward-looking oil strategy.
Azerbaijan has an embassy in Tokyo since October 12, 2005. Embassy of Japan was opened in Baku since January 21, 2000.
In total 26 agreements in different spheres were signed between two countries.
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 energy and infrastructure projects in the country.
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