Joint Statement on Friendship and Partnership
between Qatar and Japan
Tokyo, April 19, 1999
1. Upon the invitation of H.E. Mr. Keizo Obuchi, Prime Minister of Japan, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, is paying an official visit to Japan from 18-21 April 1999.
2. On April 19, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani was received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor, who subsequently hosted court luncheon for His Highness.
On the same day, Prime Minister Obuchi and Amir Sheikh Hamad conducted official discussions focusing on the current relations between the two countries and issued the following statement on the nature of the future of the bilateral relations between the two countries in the 21st century based on friendship and partnership.
3. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the current level of the bilateral relations and reiterated their common determination to further strengthen bilateral bonds by means of enhancing dialogue and cooperation at all levels on the basis of the UN Charter and through contribution to international peace and security. In this respect, the Japanese side welcomed the democratic steps taken by Qatar and recognized the Municipal Elections that recently took place as a valuable effort to enhance the democratic development in the region. The Japanese side also appreciated the Qatari government's efforts and role in the maintenance of peace and stability in the Gulf.
4. Both sides expressed their concern about the situation in Iraq and urged the Iraqi Government to comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They also expressed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq. The two sides expressed their sympathy with the plight of the Iraqi people under the sanctions and stressed the importance of continuing humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people.
5. Both sides expressed their deep concern over the stalled peace process in the Middle East. While further reiterating the necessity of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace on the principles of Land for Peace and relevant UN security council resolutions 242, 338 and 425, they called for implementation of all signed agreements with honesty and accelerating the peace process. Both sides acknowledged their appreciation and support for the contribution of the two countries in the peace process.
6. Noting the importance of the role the United Nations plays for peace, stability and prosperity of the world, both sides emphasized the need to intensify consultations and cooperation for the realization of the UN reform including the reform of the Security Council with an expansion of both permanent and nonpermanent membership, the financial reform and the reform in the area of development. In this context, the Qatari side expressed its support to Japan as an appropriate candidate for a permanent member of the Security Council.
7. Recognizing the importance of the political dialogue between the two Governments, both sides expressed their intention to hold consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs on bilateral, regional and international issues.
8. Both sides expressed their hope that the two governments would promote new fields of cooperation based on equal partnership such as human resources development, environment, health, science and technology, culture and sport. Both sides also expressed their intention to continue cooperation in the field of energy as well as trade and investment.
9. The Japanese side appreciated the efforts of Qatar towards strengthening its economy and encouraging foreign investment and welcomed Qatar's First Seminar on Investment hosted by the Export-Import Bank of Japan on the 20th of April. Both sides affirmed their intention to work for the future financial co-operation.
10. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of mutual understanding through cultural exchanges and intellectual dialogues between the two countries in various domains, including youth and sport fields. They welcomed the Cultural Weeks, which had been held lately in the capitals of the two countries, and expressed their hope in further expanding mutual exchange between the two peoples through such kind of events.
11. His Highness the Amir Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani thanked His Excellency Keizo Obuchi, Prime Minister of Japan for the warm and cordial welcome extended to him and his delegation during the visit. His Highness the Amir extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit the State of Qatar, which the Prime Minister accepted with gratitude.
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