Elnur Mammadov: Sumo World Championships in Baku to strengthen ties with Tokyo

Azerbaijan will host the Sumo World Championships for the first time in its history this year, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elnur Mammadov said at an official reception in Baku marking Japan's national holiday - the birthday of Emperor Naruhito.

According to Report, the official said this will make a significant contribution to further strengthening ties between Baku and Tokyo in the field of sports.

"Our cooperation in sports is reaching a new level - for the first time in history, Azerbaijan will host the Sumo World Championships this October, which will make a significant contribution to further strengthening our ties in sports," he said.

Elnur Mammadov emphasized that cooperation in cultural and humanitarian spheres is also actively developing and helps strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

"Japanese centers operate at several higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, where the Japanese language is taught. Student exchange programs are also being successfully implemented," he noted.

The deputy minister added that cooperation between regions of Azerbaijan and Japan has become an important part of bilateral relations.

"Examples include the ties established between the Ismayilli District of Azerbaijan and the city of Ito, the Khatai District of Baku and the city of Sika, as well as the ongoing work to establish connections between the cities of Aghdam and Hiroshima, and Shusha and Okayama. This cooperation contributes to deepening the friendly relations between our countries," Mammadov concluded.