Baku, February 22, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received a Japanese delegation led by State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoshifumi Matsumura.

Japanese State Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura extended his congratulations on Mehriban Aliyeva`s appointment as First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the congratulations.

Saying Azerbaijan and Japan enjoy very good and long-term bilateral relations, the head of state noted that the two countries successfully cooperate in various areas. President Ilham Aliyev hailed political relations between the two countries. The head of state underlined that a number of important projects are being implemented in Azerbaijan through the financial support of Japan, adding very important infrastructure projects had already been commissioned in the country through Japanese government`s loans. Pointing out Japanese companies` involvement in Azerbaijan`s oil and gas sector, President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope that this process will continue in the future. Noting that there are good opportunities for developing trade ties between the two countries, the head of state expressed hope that the visit of the delegation led by Japanese State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoshifumi Matsumura to Azerbaijan will feature discussion on all these issues, particularly work to be done in order to increase the bilateral trade, as well as broad exchange of views and decisions on cooperation.

Noting that it is his first visit to Azerbaijan, Yoshifumi Matsumura said it is an honor for him to meet with President Ilham Aliyev. The Japanese State Minister said he is very happy that his visit coincides with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Japan and that he will attend the 9th meeting of Azerbaijan-Japan Economic Committee. Yoshifumi Matsumura noted that his country is interested in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan in the oil and gas field.

They also discussed the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan on various fronts, including non-oil sector, industry, agriculture, healthcare, human resources, delivery of technologies to the new industrial areas and investment making.