Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Elchin Afandiyev has today met Japanese Ambassador to the country Tsuguo Takahashi to discuss how to develop bilateral relations between the two countries.

They hailed the measures taken recently to strengthen the Azerbaijani-Japanese friendly and cooperative relations, and discussed the prospects for expanding ties in cultural, scientific and educational fields.

Ambassador Tsuguo Takahashi praised the Azerbaijani government`s attention to the development of cultural, educational, scientific and sports areas, adding the country achieved great success in these spheres.

The Japanese diplomat said his country was interested in strengthening relations with Azerbaijan.

Deputy Premier Elchin Afandiyev said Azerbaijan also attached great importance to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations with Japan, and stressed the importance of expanding bilateral ties in cultural, educational and scientific spheres.

They also discussed issues of mutual interest.