HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani underlined that relations between the State of Qatar and Japan have witnessed a great leap, and moved from the stage of friendship and cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership, thanks to the joint cooperation in various fields.
In a recorded speech at the celebration hosted by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Tokyo today to mark the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani underlined that the State of Qatar attaches great importance to its relations with Japan, especially as it is one of Qatar's most important partners in the fields of energy, trade, investment and development, and other areas of cooperation supported by legal frameworks and agreements that guarantee mutual benefit for the two friendly countries and peoples.
His Excellency noted that the celebration on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries provides a renewed opportunity to consolidate the comprehensive partnership by opening new channels of cooperation and exchange of experiences. "We reiterate our tireless keenness to work closely with our partners in Japan to strengthen, develop and diversify relations, and promote them to broader horizons that meet the desired aspirations of our two friendly countries," he added.
HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that in light of the successive developments in the world, which cast a shadow on global security and peace as well as the stability of energy markets and the protection of global transmission lines, "the partnership between our countries constitutes a model for developing multilateral international action for facing global security challenges, and pushing for peaceful solutions to disputes, in a way that guarantees the preservation of the security and economic gains of our two countries, and the achievement of global prosperity."
His Excellency expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the Japanese government and people for decades of fruitful partnership and constructive relations that painted a bright picture of the bilateral relations between countries. He also renewed his thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to the strengthening and development of the bilateral relations over the past 50 years, and those who worked hard for their continuation and development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani invited the friendly Japanese people to visit Qatar in November to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
"We look forward to welcoming you in your second country, hoping that this event will be an opportunity for the friendly Japanese people to learn about our Arab and Islamic culture, and to meet with their Qatari friends in an atmosphere dominated by fair sports competition," His Excellency said, expressing hope that this historic occasion will be an opportunity for the Qatari and Japanese sides to renew their resolve to start a new phase of serious work to build deeper relations, and to strengthen the existing strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.
For his part, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi extended his sincere congratulations on behalf of the Government of Japan to the State of Qatar on this occasion, noting that Chubu Electric Power imported the first shipment of liquefied natural gas from the State of Qatar in 1997, and since then the State of Qatar has been an important partner and one of the most reliable gas suppliers to Japan, stressing that the relations have deepened closely, especially in the energy field.
His Excellency noted that the State of Qatar supported Japan in various ways, including the $100 million contribution in the wake of the earthquake disaster that struck northeastern Japan in 2011; as well as its support for the return of Japanese citizens from abroad by continuing Qatar Airways flights at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and most recently the State of Qatar supported the evacuation of Afghan nationals with ties to Japan from Afghanistan.
His Excellency also expressed his thanks to the State of Qatar for its support in facilitating the return of Japanese citizens from Russia in light of the current conditions.
Meanwhile, HE the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani's attendance of the Tokyo Olympics last year, pointing to the participation of Qatari Olympic athlete Mutaz Barshim, and Qatar's winning of the first Olympic gold medal for men's high jump.
He expressed his wishes for the success of the FIFA World Cup hosted by the State of Qatar this year, and expressed his aspiration for the participation of the Japanese team in it, stressing the determination to continue making efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations in broad areas beyond energy.
For his part, HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan Hassan bin Mohammed Al Emadi said that the two countries celebrate today 50 years of success and achievement in strengthening and developing the relations of friendship, understanding and cooperation, which culminated in the comprehensive partnership established by HH the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and then the pace of development increased by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
HE the Qatari Ambassador praised the economic cooperation between the two countries, stressing that it constitutes the backbone of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, stressing that Japan is one of the most important trading partners for the State of Qatar, and that Japanese companies were Qatar's first customers in the export of liquefied natural gas.
HE the Ambassador highlighted the most important milestones in the Qatari-Japanese relations since their establishment, including the first shipment of Qatari LNG to Japan in 1997, then the launch of direct flights of Qatar Airways to Japan in 2005, which contributed to the revitalization of exchange and popular interaction between the two countries, pointing to the reopening of the Japanese School in Doha in 2009, and its contribution to raising generations that understand the cultures of the two countries. In this context, he stressed the continuation of academic exchange between the two countries.
He noted continued bilateral dialogue and consultation at the highest levels, noting in this regard that the State of Qatar hosted last year the first strategic dialogue between the governments of the two countries.
HE Ambassador Al Emadi expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the friends and partners in Japan for the great role they played in the renaissance process in the State of Qatar, saying: "We highly appreciate the efforts and contributions of many Japanese companies in implementing vital projects in the State of Qatar, and everyone who contributed to strengthening the relations between the two countries."
Meanwhile, HE Toshihiro Nikai, Member of the Japanese House of Representatives and President of the Japanese Parliamentary Association for Friendship with the State of Qatar, praised the relations between Japan and Qatar, noting the achievements accomplished by the joint economic committee and its contribution to promoting the relations between the two countries through energy.
His Excellency expressed his thanks to Qatar Airways for continuing its flights in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his hope to increase the number of travelers between the two countries after the end of the pandemic.
Satoru Katsuno, President of the Japan-Qatar Friendship Association (JQFA) and Chairman of Chubu Electric Power, stressed the importance of the strategic relations between Japan and the State of Qatar, and the contributions made by Japanese companies to vital projects in the State of Qatar, stressing that they will never forget the generous support provided by the State of Qatar to Japan during the earthquake disaster, which includes the provision of additional shipments of liquefied natural gas and the provision of $100 million to support the reconstruction efforts of the affected areas, which contributed to deepening trust and friendship between the two countries.
He underlined that the State of Qatar and the Qatari people are dear friends of Japan and the Japanese people.
The celebration organized by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Tokyo to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations included pictures and posters, a presentation of the Qatari culture, a musical show on Qatari and Japanese art, and a special pavilion for models of the eight Qatari stadiums designated to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches. A number of senior Japanese officials and politicians, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Japan, and community figures attended the event.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs