Press Releases
Japan–Qatar Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
March 4, 2026
On March 4, commencing at 5:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman 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 highly appreciates Qatar's diplomatic efforts to mediate conflicts in the Middle East including the current situation surrounding Iran, as well as in other regions around the world.
- Minister MOTEGI also stated that Japan has been strongly urging Iran to cease actions that destabilize the region, including the development of nuclear weapons and attacks on neighboring countries, and to pursue a diplomatic resolution.
- Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI noted that Iranian attacks have also targeted diplomatic facilities as well as civilian facilities, including energy facilities, in Qatar and other neighboring countries, resulting in civilian casualties, and that Iran mentioned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and that civilian vessels have actually been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters. Minister MOTEGI stated that under such circumstances Japan condemns Iran's actions that destabilize the region.
- In addition, Minister MOTEGI expressed Japan's intention to coordinate and cooperate with Qatar on matters including the early settlement of the situation, ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals in the region including Qatar, and securing the safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- In response, Minister Mohammed emphasized the importance of diplomatic resolution through dialogue and expressed his intention to work closely with Japan toward the early settlement of the situation and the peace and stability of the region. He also stated his intention to continue cooperation to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals and to support them in leaving Qatar.