Aliyev Urges Japan To Invest In Azerbaijan
Azerabaijani President Aliyev pictured with his wife in Japan on March 8 (epa)
March 9, 2006 -- Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has urged Japanese companies to invest in his country's oil infrastructure, saying he hopes Azerbaijan will soon become a major oil exporter.
Aliyev, who is in Tokyo on a four-day trip, also said he had "high expectations" for increased Japanese investment.
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said Tokyo was interested in maintaining strong bilateral ties because of Azerbaijan's importance -- geopolitically and as an oil-producing nation.
Aliyev is due to meet Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on March 10.
(AP)