At a meeting in Baku, the parties talked about IBSA activities, planned reforms and the Paralympic Movement, specifically as it relates to sport for the visually impaired.

Further development of the IBSA and regional prospects were also discussed, including a recent visit to Africa from the vice-president.

Sasakawa spoke about the Nippon Foundation's activities and the international projects it implements, particularly those related to the Paralympic Movement. 

A team of five delegates from the Nippon Foundation attended the meeting in Azerbaijan's capital.

Both organisations agreed to keep in contact to discuss further cooperation.

The Nippon Foundation was founded in 1962 by far-right politician and philanthropist Ryōichi Sasakawa - who also faces allegations of carrying out war crimes - and is focused on making humanitarian grants.

It has faced criticism for allegedly whitewashing Japanese war crimes from the Second World War and chasing historical revisionism, but the non-profit describes itself as a hub for social innovation.

"Through this innovation we aim to achieve a society where all people support one another, reducing the burdens and challenges they face together", it says on the Nippon Foundation website.