Japan-Qatar Relations
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida Visits Qatar
October 16, 2015
On October 14, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held meetings with the following government officials during his visit to the State of Qatar. The overview is as follows.
1 His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar
(1) On October 14, commencing at 10:30 a.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Minister Kishida made a courtesy call on H.H. Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, at the Emir's Office.
(2) Minister Kishida explained that based on the achievements of H.H. Sheikh Tamim's visit to Japan in February this year and the Japan-Qatar Summit Meeting at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last month, he will make efforts to further promote and expand cooperation between the two countries under the "Comprehensive Partnership", which spans beyond the scope of the economic relationships. In response, H.H. Sheikh Tamim stated that cooperation with Japan thus far has been concentrated in the energy field, but he hopes to expand the cooperation so far as to include the security field as well as a variety of investments. Furthermore, the two sides shared the view to hold security dialogue at an early date and Minister Kishida also promoted the importance of an early conclusion of the investment agreement. In addition, the two sides exchanged views on regional affairs.
(2) Minister Kishida explained that based on the achievements of H.H. Sheikh Tamim's visit to Japan in February this year and the Japan-Qatar Summit Meeting at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last month, he will make efforts to further promote and expand cooperation between the two countries under the "Comprehensive Partnership", which spans beyond the scope of the economic relationships. In response, H.H. Sheikh Tamim stated that cooperation with Japan thus far has been concentrated in the energy field, but he hopes to expand the cooperation so far as to include the security field as well as a variety of investments. Furthermore, the two sides shared the view to hold security dialogue at an early date and Minister Kishida also promoted the importance of an early conclusion of the investment agreement. In addition, the two sides exchanged views on regional affairs.
2 H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Qatar
(1) On the same day, commencing at 10:00 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Minister Kishida made a courtesy call on H.E. Sheikh Abdullah, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Qatar, at the Emir's Office.
(2) Minister Kishida told H.E. Sheikh Abdullah that this was his first visit to Qatar, and through this visit he will make efforts to further promote and expand cooperation between the two countries under the "Comprehensive Partnership", which expands beyond the scope of economic relationship. In response, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah stated that in recent years the relationships between the two countries has been extremely amicable, as Minister Kishida's visit symbolizes. H.E. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed participation by Japanese companies in the infrastructure and other range of demands that would arise in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
(2) Minister Kishida told H.E. Sheikh Abdullah that this was his first visit to Qatar, and through this visit he will make efforts to further promote and expand cooperation between the two countries under the "Comprehensive Partnership", which expands beyond the scope of economic relationship. In response, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah stated that in recent years the relationships between the two countries has been extremely amicable, as Minister Kishida's visit symbolizes. H.E. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed participation by Japanese companies in the infrastructure and other range of demands that would arise in the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
3. H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Muhammad Al-Attiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar
(1) On the same day, commencing at 11:40 a.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Minister Kishida held a Japan-Qatar Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Minister Al-Attiyah at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar.
(2) Minister Kishida told Minister Al-Attiyah that he was delighted to be able to meet him again, and thanked him for his frequent attendance at events thus far, such as the opening ceremonies for Japanese earthquake recovery support facilities. Minister Kishida explained that in recent years there has been participation of Japanese companies in a large number of projects, including the Doha Metro, communication satellites, breast cancer screening systems, and power generation and desalination facilities, and expressed his hope that Japanese companies will continue to participate in large projects in the coming years. In response, Minister Al-Attiyah stated that as a friend, it was only natural that Qatar provided earthquake recovery support to Japan, and it will continue to implement recovery projects that covers a wide range of fields. Minister Al-Attiyah also expressed his hope that Japanese companies will actively engage in a variety of projects in Qatar.
(3) The two ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs such as Iran, Syria as well as measures to counter the violent extremism including ISIL that has ensued following the so-called "Arab Spring," and confirmed that Japan and Qatar will closely work together on UN Security Council reform.
(4) In regard to an investment agreement, Minister Kishida promoted the importance of promptly concluding the agreement, and it was decided that coordination by the two sides will take place.
(2) Minister Kishida told Minister Al-Attiyah that he was delighted to be able to meet him again, and thanked him for his frequent attendance at events thus far, such as the opening ceremonies for Japanese earthquake recovery support facilities. Minister Kishida explained that in recent years there has been participation of Japanese companies in a large number of projects, including the Doha Metro, communication satellites, breast cancer screening systems, and power generation and desalination facilities, and expressed his hope that Japanese companies will continue to participate in large projects in the coming years. In response, Minister Al-Attiyah stated that as a friend, it was only natural that Qatar provided earthquake recovery support to Japan, and it will continue to implement recovery projects that covers a wide range of fields. Minister Al-Attiyah also expressed his hope that Japanese companies will actively engage in a variety of projects in Qatar.
(3) The two ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs such as Iran, Syria as well as measures to counter the violent extremism including ISIL that has ensued following the so-called "Arab Spring," and confirmed that Japan and Qatar will closely work together on UN Security Council reform.
(4) In regard to an investment agreement, Minister Kishida promoted the importance of promptly concluding the agreement, and it was decided that coordination by the two sides will take place.