Japan-Qatar Relations
Telephone Talk between Foreign Minister Kamikawa and Minister of State Khulaifi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State of Qatar
October 12, 2023
On October 12th, commencing at 9:20 p.m. local time (11:20 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 15 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Thailand, held a telephone talk with H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz AlKhulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State of Qatar, to discuss the situation surrounding Palestine and Israel. The overview is as follows:
- Minister Khulaifi stated that he shares the grave concern about the situation on the ground, and explained Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in the wake of the attack.
- Minister Kamikawa stressed that 1) she is paying close attention to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, with great concern, 2) she unequivocally condemns the recent terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, especially the attacks on, and kidnapping of, innocent civilians, which cannot be justified for any reason, and 3) she is deeply saddened by the loss of lives of so many innocent civilians, and that it is important for the numerous civilians being held hostage to be released as soon as possible.
- In addition, Minister Kamikawa expressed appreciation towards Qatar’s diplomatic efforts on this matter, and stated that Japan has been communicating with the parties concerned in order to calm down the situation and that Japan would like to continue working on this matter in cooperation with the State of Qatar.