Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Sept 1 2004

JAPAN ALWAYS SUPPORTED FAIR POSITION OF AZERBAIJAN AND THIS POLICY
WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED
[September 01, 2004, 14:23:31]

On August 31, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar
Mammadyarov has met with the delegation headed by chairman of
Japan-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary League of Friendship Mr. Akira
Amari.

As was informed to AzreTAj from the press center of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, minister Elmar Mammadyarov, warmly having
welcomed visitors, has emphasized the high level of development of
the Azerbaijani-Japanese relations, has noted, that he supports
strengthening of links between our countries and continuation of
mutually advantageous cooperation. He has especially emphasized
exclusive merits of our national leader Heydar Aliyev in establishment
of strong relations between the two countries.

Having noted, that as a result of aggression of Armenia against
Azerbaijan, 20 percent of the Country’s territories has been occupied,
and about one million of citizens, being ousted from the native lands,
became refugees and IDPs, the Minister informed visitors on last
meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Armenia
carried out in Prague.

Having stated to visitors the position of the Azerbaijan side, the
Minister has noted importance of settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh
conflict within the framework of territorial integrity and sovereignty
of our country and has expressed to the government of Japan gratitude
for support of the position of our state.

During the meeting, the Minister informed that last year Milli Majlis
has adopted a decision on opening of embassy of Azerbaijan in Japan,
having expressed confidence that up to the end of this year the said
question would be solved. Having noted, that between Azerbaijan and
Japan there is a wide economic potential, the Minister has expressed
hope for expansion of bilateral economic relations in this direction.

The Minister has expressed to the government of Japan gratitude
for the humanitarian help rendered to the Azerbaijan refugees both
at the state level, and within the framework of the international
organizations. Highly having estimated training of our young diplomats
in Japan, the Minister has expressed confidence of continuation of
this tradition.

Chairman of Japan-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary League of Friendship
Mr. Akira Amari has emphasized, that his country gives great value to
development of connections with our Republic, has told, that trusts
in the further expansion of these connections and continuation of
mutual cooperation in many areas.

Having touched the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict,
the visitor has noted, that the Japanese side supports territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan, having emphasized, that his country is ready
to peace settlement of the mentioned problem.

At the meeting, also discussed were some other questions, representing
mutual interest.