Japan-Qatar Relations
Japan-Qatar Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On September 27, commencing at 9:48 a.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a Japan-Qatar summit meeting with His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
Opening
Prime Minister Abe stated that he was pleased to meet H.H. Sheikh Tamim for the sixth time with the latest meeting being held in February this year in Japan. Prime Minister Abe added that it is pleasant that the Japan-Qatar relationship has deepened in various fields in recent years beyond the economic relationship under the “comprehensive partnership,” and that he intends to build a close cooperative relationship with Qatar in the future. In response to this, H.H. Sheikh Tamim stated that he is pleased with the fact that the bilateral relations in a wide range of fields including energy have been progress.
Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Abe stated the importance of a stable supply of LNG from Qatar and also stated his conviction that the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the State of Qatar for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income approved by the Diet in September will lead to promotion of economic activities. In response to this, H.H. Sheikh Tamim said that Japan is an important partner for Qatar and he would like to further strengthen relations in multitude of fields including security and defense in addition to the invigoration of investment between the two countries.
Regional Affairs
Prime Minister Abe and H.H. Sheikh Tamim also exchanged their opinions on regional affairs, including Yemen and ISIL. Prime Minister Abe conveyed that Japan will provide assistance such as nation building and human resources development to the Middle East, utilizing the strength of Japan under the spirit of “the best way is in the middle”. Prime Minister Abe also confirmed that the two countries will closely cooperate towards the stability of the region. Moreover, when Prime Minister Abe introduced the passage of the “Legislation for Peace and Security,” H.H. Sheikh Tamim offered his congratulation and expressed his strong welcome.