Energy and regional security top Azerbaijan-Japan talks in Tokyo

Azerbaijan and Japan are set to discuss prospects for cooperation in the energy sector, as well as the situation in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and the Indo-Pacific region.

The issues are expected to be high on the agenda during talks between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, who is on an official visit to Tokyo, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

Motegi said the discussions would focus on the development of bilateral relations, including energy cooperation, as well as key international and regional developments.

He noted that Azerbaijan, located on the Caspian Sea and known as one of the major producers of oil and natural gas, already cooperates with Japanese companies in the development of oil fields. Against the backdrop of current global developments, Azerbaijan also exports crude oil to Japan.

The Japanese foreign minister also emphasized Azerbaijan’s role in supporting the safety of Japanese citizens amid recent tensions in the Middle East. In particular, he referred to Azerbaijan’s assistance in receiving Japanese nationals evacuated from Iran.

Motegi underlined the symbolic importance of Bayramov’s visit, noting that he is the first Azerbaijani foreign minister to pay an official visit to Japan in 17 years.

The talks in Tokyo reflect the growing importance of Azerbaijan for Japan not only as an energy partner, but also as a reliable country in a strategically sensitive region linking the Caspian basin, the South Caucasus and wider Eurasian transport and energy routes.