Press Releases
Japan-Qatar Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Call
May 28, 2026
On May 28, commencing at 4:00 p.m. for 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone call with H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI expressed his condolences on the passing of former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, who had made great contributions to the development of Qatar's LNG industry and to Japan-Qatar relations. Minister MOTEGI further stated that it is meaningful to exchange again with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed at a time when exchanges between the United States and Iran are entering an extremely critical phase, and paid tribute to Qatar's mediation efforts.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that what matters most is that the ceasefire is maintained and that talks toward a final agreement between the United States and Iran, including ensuring free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, are realized as soon as possible. Minister MOTEGI further stated that Japan has been supporting the talks between the United States and Iran as well as the diplomatic efforts of the mediating countries, and that Japan will continue to work tenaciously, in coordination with the international community including Qatar, to make necessary diplomatic efforts.
- Minister MOTEGI also referred to the mutually beneficial relationship that Japan and Qatar have built over many years in the energy field, and requested continued cooperation toward a stable energy supply.
- In response, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of resolving issues through diplomacy and dialogue, and stated that Qatar would like to continue cooperating with Japan towards the early de-escalation of the situation and the stabilization of the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed also expressed Qatar's willingness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in the energy field.
- The two sides concurred on continuing to cooperate toward peace and stability in the Middle East region over the medium and long term.