Envoy: Japan shows interest in WUF13, energy cooperation with Azerbaijan

Japan has expressed significant interest in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Azerbaijan, according to Japan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Katsuya Watanabe.

Both the Japanese government and private companies are keen on the forum, and Japan plans to send a delegation, although the exact composition has not yet been finalised, the ambassador told Report. 

Municipal officials from several Japanese cities, along with representatives from the private sector, have also shown strong interest in participating.

The ambassador highlighted energy, including green energy, as a priority area for cooperation between Japan and Azerbaijan. He described Azerbaijan as an attractive country with considerable potential for bilateral collaboration. In addition to energy, Watanabe noted that tourism represents another sector where cooperation could be expanded.

Watanabe also pointed to ongoing diplomatic and economic engagements between the two countries. He recalled that the last meeting of the Azerbaijan-Japan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place in Tokyo last year, and the next meeting is expected to be held in Baku, though dates have not yet been agreed. Inter-ministerial consultations are also planned for this year.

The ambassador further noted that last year, the two countries signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of information technology, and Japan and Azerbaijan plan to discuss specific mechanisms for implementing the agreement this year.

The forum, which will take place from May 17–22, 2026, is expected to attract global participants from government, civil society, and the private sector to discuss sustainable urban development.

By Sabina Mammadli