AZERBAIJAN’S PRESIDENT IS ON OFFICIAL VISIT IN JAPAN

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 9 2006

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev had a one-on-one meeting with
Japanese Emperor Akihito on 8 March, in the framework of his official
visit to Japan.

APA reports quoting ‘Azertag’ that highly appraising official visit
of the Azerbaijani President to Japan, His Majesty Akihito said
development of bilateral relations would be useful for both sides.

Touching upon the historical friendly links between two peoples, the
Emperor said Japan is deeply interested in strengthening of relations
with Azerbaijan. The Emperor added that successful reforms are leading
Azerbaijan to the world’s developed counties.

President Aliyev said he was pleased with the visit, and spoke of
the legal, democratic, secular state building process ongoing in
Azerbaijan. “The current visit will open a new phase in development
of bilateral relations”, he emphasized.

President Aliyev also said Azerbaijan always attaches great importance
to mutually beneficial ties with the world countries.

“From this standpoint, the relations with Japan are of particular
importance. The country is open to businessmen of world counties,”
Mr.Aliyev stressed.

Speaking of the works done for joint development of prospects at the
Azerbaijan sector on the Caspian, the Azerbaijan President said the
Japanese Itocu had greater share in the projects.

During the talk, also were focused the prospects of the Azeri-Japanese
cooperation, the situation in the region, settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict and other questions.

President Aliyev at his residence in Tokyo received the President
of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ms. Sadako Ogata
yesterday. Reminding that Japan is keen in development of ties in all
fields, and the Japanese companies had invested in some important
projects in Azerbaijan, Ms. Sadako Ogata said that the Japanese
credits are for expansion of cooperation with Azerbaijan, “which is
such a country in the Caucasus that any investment in its economy
would certainly yield fruits in future and promote dynamic progress”.

The Azerbaijan President expressed consent with the relations
established between JICA and Azerbaijan, noting there are good
opportunities and prospects for widening of co-operation between
the countries.

President Aliyev also attended the Azerbaijan-Japan Economic Forum
yesterday. The forum brought together representatives of 30 Azerbaijani
and 100 Japanese companies.

Mr. Aliyev gave a large speech, expressing hope that the Forum would
benefit mutual ties.

As a result of the Forum, some companies from each side have sealed
several million dollars contracts.