A meeting entitled "The Republic of Azerbaijan - example of rapid development in 20 years" has been held in the Japanese parliament. The event dedicated to the 20th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijan`s independence was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Japan.
The meeting brought together Japanese MPs and officials of the country`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing the meeting co-chair of the Azerbaijan-Japan Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group, Akira Amari said national leader Heydar Aliyev`s first official visit to Japan in 1998 gave impetus to development of bilateral relationship. He noted the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Japan in 2006 opened a new page in cooperation between the two countries.
Azerbaijan`s ambassador to Japan Gursel Ismayilzade briefed the meeting participants on progressive reforms carried out over the past 20 years in his country in all spheres. He added Azerbaijan had become a democratic state with stable political system as a result of the steps taken.
The diplomat also spoke about Azerbaijan`s economy, energy policy successful projects carried out in the country. The ambassador particularly underlined the role of Azerbaijan in ensuring the world`s energy security. He added the Azerbaijani government also places special emphasis on development of non-oil sector.
According to Ismayilzade, Azerbaijan`s securing a seat on the UN Security Council proves that the country is recognized as a reliable partner on the world community.
The diplomat also touched upon the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying in the wake of Armenia`s aggressive policy against Azerbaijan more than 1 million people were driven from their homes. He added due to Armenia`s non-constructive position, the conflict still remains unresolved. "Armenia does not honor documents adopted by international organizations, including the UN Security Council".
The ambassador also spoke of the projects being implemented in Azerbaijan to develop tourism sector.
The participants also saw a documentary featuring Azerbaijan`s history, culture and tourism potential.
Masaki Ikegami, director of Japanese Foreign Ministry`s Central Asia and Caucasus division said Azerbaijan was a regional leader for development indicators. He recalled his participation in a meeting of the Azerbaijan-Japan commission on economic cooperation held on November 22-23 in Baku. Ikegami also praised the ongoing development processes in Azerbaijan.
Secretary General of the Azerbaijan-Japan Inter-parliamentary Friendship Group, Akihiro Ohata spoke at the event, describing Azerbaijan as a strategic partner for Japan in the region.

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