Japan-Azerbaijan Relations

 

Diplomatic Relations

1991.12.28 -- Japan Recognizes Azerbaijan’s Independence from the Soviet Union
1992.09.07 -- Diplomatic Relations Established
2000.01.21 -- Japan Opens Embassy in Baku
2005.10.12 -- Azerbaijan Opens Embassy in Tokyo

Summary of Japan-Azerbaijan Relations, 1992-2005

When Azerbaijan emerged independent from the Soviet Union in late 1991, Japan quickly became interested in the Caspian region as a possible new source of oil and natural gas. However, this economic interest was balanced against concerns about Azerbaijan’s political future. Would it be reabsorbed into a revived Russian empire? Also, by, a major conflict with Armenia was in full swing (lasting until May 1994), and it was by no means clear that Azerbaijan would survive as an independent entity.

By about 1996, however, some Japanese began to overcome their doubts, and a more proactive policy toward Azerbaijan became noticeable. Itochu became involved in consultations about Caucasus pipelines with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Also, the project that became known as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline was a particular point of mutual interest. In 1998, the “Silk Road Diplomacy” of Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto added to the momentum. President Heydar Aliyev and Prime Minister Artur Rasizade of Azerbaijan visited Tokyo early that year, and Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura visited Baku the following year. During Aliyev’s visit, in particular, the two parties signed the “Joint Statement on Friendship and Partnership between Japan and the Republic of Azerbaijan.” The Mitsui group also gained tangible interests in the Azeri oil sector at that time.

Hashimoto’s “Silk Road Diplomacy” also involved Japan-Azerbaijan cooperation in fields other than oil and gas. Japan donated money to Azerbaijani refugees, and began offer various kinds of technical training as well. However, in the period after Hashimoto’s premiership, there seemed to be a slowdown in the relationship as Tokyo’s interest flagged. One aspect of concern for many years involved Azerbaijan’s succession to old Soviet treaties with Japan, which was finally resolved on May 30, 2005. Also, Azerbaijan needed to make progress in opening the economy to secure foreign investments.

Japan and Azerbaijan are distant countries with few direct connections, but in June 2005 the way was mostly clear for an expansion of bilateral ties, should either of the parties have desired it.

State Visits, 1992-2005

1992 -- Foreign Minister Tofik Kasimov Visits Tokyo
1998 -- President Heydar Aliyev, Prime Minister Artur Rasizade Visit Tokyo
1999 -- Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura Visits Baku
2001 -- Foreign Minister Vilayat Guliyev Visits Tokyo

Economic and Trade Relations

In 2005, Japan exported machinery and steel pipes to Azerbaijan worth about $US53 million; and Japan imported caviar, aluminum, and wool from Azerbaijan worth less than US$1 million.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship League

Akira Amari
House of Representatives (Kanagawa 13th District)
Liberal Democratic Party

MOFA Webpage

2005 Newsletters

None

2006 Newsletters

156 -- First Oil Produced at ACG Development
197 -- Setting the Stage for President Aliyev’s Visit to Tokyo
212 -- President Aliyev Completes His Visit to Tokyo
227 -- Joint Statement on Partnership between Japan and Azerbaijan
330 -- Yamanaka Visit Confirms Japan-Azerbaijan Ties
338 -- Japanese Trade with the Islamic World in 2005
414 -- Prime Minister Abe Hosts an Iftar Dinner
418 -- Fair Days May Lie Ahead for Japan-Azerbaijan Relations
429 -- METI Minister Amari Meets with Azerbaijani Ambassador
448 -- Fourth Meeting of Japan-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission

2007 Newsletters

652 -- Japan Participates in GUAM Summit in Baku
674 -- Searching for Enhanced Japan-Azerbaijan Cooperation
712 -- Vice-Foreign Minister Midori Matsushima in Baku
862 -- Japan Appoints New GUAM and Azerbaijan Representatives

Information for the “Japan-Azerbaijan Relations” page was compiled by Michael Penn.