Japanese’s Okinawa, Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan to deepen business ties

/By Azernews/

By Amina Nazarli

Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture and Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan are keen to boost the cooperation and broaden the bilateral economic ties. The issue will be mulled during the visit of businessmen and officials of Okinawa Prefecture to Azerbaijan.

The Japanese delegation headed by economy expert Kazuyasu Ishida and Speaker of Okinawa Parliament Masaharu Kina will visit Nakhchivan, where they will hold a number of meetings and discuss ways of developing cooperation between the two regions, in particular in the field of tourism, energy and renewable energy.

The sides also plan to sign twinning agreement between Nakhchivan and the Japanese city of Miyakojima.

Kazuyasu Ishida earlier told local media that Nakhchivan and Miyakojima, located on the island of Okinawa have a number of similarities.

“Like Nakhchivan, Okinawa also has a strategically important location. Okinawa is an important tourist destination in Japan. Nakhchivan also has great potential in this area. In addition, the island receives over 30 percent of the electricity from renewable energy sources. Nakhchivan could benefit from the experience in this field,” he said.

Ishida added that the twinning of the two cities will further contribute to familiarizing with each other. The expert said that after the conclusion of relevant agreements both Nakhchivan and Miyakojima will host several activities, which will present the culture, traditions and possibilities of these regions.

Azerbaijan's Ismayilli and Japanese town Ito have already been announced sister cities.

Nakhchivan, being the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, is one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan. Its history dates back to around 1500 BC, according to some resources.

Nakhchivan had been admired and viewed by many travelers and poets of the past as one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in the East. Today the city, due to its numerous monuments reflecting different stages of history, is an attractive destination for tourists.

The snow capped mountains, ancient fortresses atop of ridges and spiraling rivers with fresh water are the main attraction of Nakhchivan.

While traveling along the mountain ridge in Nakhchivan, tourists admire the wonderful nature and historical sites, and even drop in to villages hidden in the valleys below. The cities of this land differ from the rest of the country for their historical and artistic values, cozy side streets, squares and imitable hospitality.

The region remains to be an attractive destination for social scientists, architects, historians and those who are interested in world culture and archeology.

The island of Miyakojima is one of the bigger islands in the Ryukyu chain, stretching about 25km from one end to the other.

Miyakojima is home to beautiful beaches, perfect for sunning, swimming and snorkeling. When you’re sun-spent, migrate to the Miyakojima City Tropical Plant Garden to marvel at over 1,500 species of exotic tropical plants.

Most visitors are drawn there by the prospect of snorkeling or diving in the famous coral reefs.

Situated in the Pacific Ocean, the city’s coastline differs in each area on the island, combining rich nature, white beaches, transparent waters and coral reefs, which has helped make the island well known for its many great diving spots.