The Republic of Azerbaijan attaches great importance to its relations with Japan. Relations between our countries developed very successfully after Azerbaijan became independent in 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on September 7, 1992. The Republic of Azerbaijan and Japan cooperate in different fields and have very strong political relations. Economic cooperation between the two countries plays an important role in the development of our relations based on mutual respect, interest and friendship.

The visit of President of Azerbaijan, National Leader Heydar Aliyev to Japan in 1998 played a big role in the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Japan, and gave an impetus to its further development.

Looking up the statistics, ties between our countries have developed more rapidly. Japanese companies have invested hundreds of millions of US dollars in economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Japan has allocated credits estimated $700 million, grants of $70 million until 2006. That is true to indicate that Japan is one of the biggest investors in Azerbaijan.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Japan was over $90 million, though it does not reflect our good relations, it is incrementally increasing.

The recent official visit of His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is clear token how much Azerbaijan attaches key importance in high level, has given a boost upon enhancing cooperation in all the spheres of bilateral relations. During his visit, Mr. Aliyev was received by their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and had talks with Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister, and Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs. As a result of the visit, three official documents, namely, The Joint Statement on the Further Development of Friendship and Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Japan, The Memorandum on Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and The Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Republic of Azerbaijan were signed by the members of both Governments, with the attendance of Prime Minister Koizumi and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

In 2007, with the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Japan, the framework of GUAM + Japan was established. In June 2007, Deputy Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Mitoji Yabunaka visited Azerbaijan to hold the first meeting of GUAM + Japan during the GUAM Summit.

The above mentioned meeting gave an impetus to cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Japan not only in bilateral level, bur also in the framework of GUAM + Japan. The further development of relations between Japan and the organization was discussed during the visit of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Mr. Araz Azimov to Japan in July, 2007. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Mr. Keiichi Katakami, Deputy Director General of European Affairs Bureau as special representative of the MOFA of Japan in charge of relations of GUAM which indicates the importance the Japanese side attaches to its relations with GUAM countries.

In December 2007, the National Coordinators of GUAM countries visited Japan and hold meetings and negotiations with H.E. Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Masakatsu Koike, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Keiichi Katakami, special representative of the MOFA of Japan in charge of relations of GUAM. During the visit, the Forum was held in the Japan Institute of International Relations with attendance of more than 120 people from political and business circles of Japan, members of press and researchers. In addition, the press-conference by the National Coordinators of GUAM was organized at the Japan National Press Club.

Chronology of Bilateral Relations

Recognition of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan by Japan: December 28, 1991

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: September 7, 1992

Number of Japanese nationals residing in Azerbaijan: 37 (Oct. 2003)

Number of Azerbaijani nationals residing in Japan: 14 (Dec. 2006)

Trade with Japan (2006):
Trade turnover: 188,294 million US dollars
Exports to Japan: 44.7 thousands US dollars (caviar, aluminums, cotton wool)
Imports from Japan: 188,249 million US dollars (steel pipes for gas and oil, machinery)

Japan's Economic Cooperation:
Loans: 700 million US dollars (the total till FY 2006)
Grants: 90 million US dollars (the total till FY 2006)

Cultural Grants (cumulative total fiscal 1975-2004)
225.3 million yen (Cultural Grant Aid)
8.5 million yen (Grassroots Grant Aid)

VIP Visits from Japan to the Republic of Azerbaijan

September, 1998 Mr. Arima, the Special Envoy of the Government of Japan
(to participate the International Conference for the Restoration of the Historic Silk Road)
May, 1999 Mr. Masahiko Komura, Minister for Foreign Affairs
October, 1999 The Caucasus Friendship Mission (headed by Mr. Taro
Nakayama, the member of the House of Representatives)
July, 2002 Mr. Seiken Sugiura, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign
Affairs (Head of the Silk Road Energy Mission)
February, 2003 Mr. Tetsuro Yano, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
September, 2003 Mr. Shochi Motooka, Vice-chairman of the House of Councilors
August, 2004 Mr. Akira Amari, Co-Chairman of Japan-Azerbaijan Inter-parliamentary League
January, 2005 Mr. Ichiro Aisawa, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
July, 2006 Ms. Akiko Yamanaka, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
June, 2007 Mr. Mitoji Yabunaka, Deputy Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
August, 2007 Ms. Midori Matsushima, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs

VIP Visits from the Republic of Azerbaijan to Japan
October, 1992 Mr. Tofiq Gasimov, Foreign Minister (to attend the Tokyo
Conference on Assistance to the New Independent States)
May, 1996 Mr. Natiq Aliyev, President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Mr. Ilham Aliyev, Vice President of SOCAR
January, 1998 Mr. Arthur Rasi-zade, Prime Minister (to attend to the Consultative Group Meeting for Azerbaijan hosted by World Bank)
February, 1998 H.E. President Heydar Aliyev’s official visit
March, 1999 Mr. Abid Sharifov, Deputy Prime Minister (invitation
by the private sector)
October, 1999 Mr. Abid Sharifov, Deputy Prime Minister (to attend the Japan-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Conference)
June, 2001 Mr. Vilayet Guliyev, Foreign Minister (to attend the Three Caucasus States Exhibition organized by JETRO)
November, 2001 Mr. Abid Sharifov, Deputy Prime Minister (to attend the Japan-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Conference)
January, 2003 Mr. Khalaf Khalafov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
May, 2005 Mr. Abid Sharifov, Deputy Prime Minister (to attend EXPO-2005)
March, 2006 H.E. President Ilham Aliyev’s visit
July, 2007 Mr. Araz Azimov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs