Japan-Qatar Relations
Foreign Minister Kono Visits Qatar
September 9, 2017
On September 9, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the State of Qatar. The overview is as follows.
1 Meetings with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Abdullah and Foreign Minister Mohammed
Minister Kono paid a courtesy call on H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Qatar, followed by the foreign ministers’ meeting and working lunch with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Minister Kono explained to both Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed that he hopes to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Japan and Qatar, as Japan’s most trusted LNG supplier and an important country for Japan’s energy security. The Qatari side responded that Qatar hopes to deepen its relationship with Japan in all fields.
In addition, Minister Kono, Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed shared the view that the two countries would cooperate on promoting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
With regard to the recent situation surrounding Qatar, the Qatari side expressed its expectation that the phone call between Saudi Arabia and Qatar on the previous day (September 8) would become an important step toward resolving the issue, and stated that they hope to resolve the issue promptly through dialogue. Minister Kono expressed his view that the early settlement of the issue through dialogue is important, and also explained that Japan is ready to support if needed. In response, the Qatari side expressed its appreciation and gratitude.
Furthermore, Minister Kono and Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, including North Korea. With regard to North Korea, Minister Kono emphasized the need for the international community to put pressure on North Korea and asked for cooperation on the issue of North Korean workers. In response, the Qatari side explained that Qatar has been fully implementing the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions in a strict manner. The Qatari side also showed a positive response to a new draft resolution to deal with the North Korean workers.
Minister Kono explained to both Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed that he hopes to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Japan and Qatar, as Japan’s most trusted LNG supplier and an important country for Japan’s energy security. The Qatari side responded that Qatar hopes to deepen its relationship with Japan in all fields.
In addition, Minister Kono, Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed shared the view that the two countries would cooperate on promoting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
With regard to the recent situation surrounding Qatar, the Qatari side expressed its expectation that the phone call between Saudi Arabia and Qatar on the previous day (September 8) would become an important step toward resolving the issue, and stated that they hope to resolve the issue promptly through dialogue. Minister Kono expressed his view that the early settlement of the issue through dialogue is important, and also explained that Japan is ready to support if needed. In response, the Qatari side expressed its appreciation and gratitude.
Furthermore, Minister Kono and Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, including North Korea. With regard to North Korea, Minister Kono emphasized the need for the international community to put pressure on North Korea and asked for cooperation on the issue of North Korean workers. In response, the Qatari side explained that Qatar has been fully implementing the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions in a strict manner. The Qatari side also showed a positive response to a new draft resolution to deal with the North Korean workers.
2 Meeting with Japanese residents in Qatar
Minister Kono held a meeting with Japanese residents in Qatar. At the beginning, Minister Kono expressed his gratitude to the representatives of Japanese companies and members of the Japanese community, who are making their efforts to strengthen the Japan-Qatar bilateral relationship through a wide range of activities, in the areas of economy and culture. Minister Kono explained that the Government of Japan will also support activities of the private sector.
In addition, Minister Kono explained Japan’s initiatives for peace and stability in the Middle East, and Japan’s position in relation to Qatar’s situation. In response, the representatives of Japanese companies explained their daily work and lifestyles under the severance of diplomatic relations.
Minister Kono and the participants were able to hold a meaningful exchange of views on the public and private sectors for working together to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Japan and Qatar.
In addition, Minister Kono explained Japan’s initiatives for peace and stability in the Middle East, and Japan’s position in relation to Qatar’s situation. In response, the representatives of Japanese companies explained their daily work and lifestyles under the severance of diplomatic relations.
Minister Kono and the participants were able to hold a meaningful exchange of views on the public and private sectors for working together to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Japan and Qatar.