Japan-Qatar Relations
Third Japan-Qatar Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue
January 13, 2026
On January 13th, commencing at 11:20 AM local time (17:20 PM Japan time) , for approximately 100 minutes,Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Qatar, held the “Third Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue” with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI stated that he was pleased to meet Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed for the first time in four years and to resume the Strategic Dialogue between Foreign Ministers initiated between himself and Minister Mohammed in 2021. Minister Mohammed warmly welcomed Minister MOTEGI's visit to Qatar and expressed his desire to further develop the “Strategic Partnership” between the two countries. The two ministers also expressed their hope for the success of the national teams of both countries at this year's FIFA World Cup.
- Regarding bilateral relations, the two ministers welcomed the progress in cooperation across various fields under the “Strategic Partnership,” including in areas of energy, economy, defense exchanges, cooperation in third countries, and cultural and academic exchanges, as outlined below.
- Energy and Investment
The two ministers confirmed the critical importance of strengthening mutually beneficial relations through liquefied natural gas (LNG). In this context, Minister MOTEGI reiterated his appreciation for Qatar's stable supply of energy to Japan, and Minister Mohammed affirmed Qatar's continued commitment to ensuring stable energy supplies to Japan.
Minister MOTEGI also welcomed Qatar's active long-term investment in Japan. - Defense Exchanges
The two ministers acknowledged the steady progress in bilateral defense exchanges, including the launch of defense authorities consultations between the two countries in 2023, the first port call in 12 years by a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel to Qatar in 2024, and the first visit to Qatar by the Chief of the Joint Staff. They confirmed their commitment to further strengthening exchanges in the future. - Cooperation in Third Countries
The two ministers concurred on advancing cooperation in third countries on development assistance, including humanitarian aid, by leveraging the expertise of both Japan and Qatar. - People-to-People and Academic Exchanges
Minister MOTEGI expressed gratitude to Qatar for becoming the first country to confirm its participation in the upcoming GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama. Minister MOTEGI further welcomed the active academic exchanges between universities and other institutions in both countries and expressed his desire to continue close cooperation in the future.
In response, Minister Mohammed expressed his hope for the further deepening of exchanges between the two countries in various fields.
- Energy and Investment
- The two ministers held a candid exchange of views on regional and international situations, including recent developments in the Middle East.
- Regarding the situation in Gaza, Minister MOTEGI highly commended Qatar's role in facilitating the ceasefire and the release of hostages. He also stated that, building on his recent visit to Israel and Palestine, Japan would play an active role toward the peace and stability in the Middle East region, including Gaza's reconstruction. In response, Minister Mohammed welcomed Japan's efforts toward the regional stabilization and expressed his desire for continued cooperation between the two countries.The two ministers also exchanged views on the current situation surrounding Iran.
- The two ministers also exchanged views on their policies toward North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue, as well as on the recent developments in East Asia. The two ministers concurred on maintaining close coordination on these matters.