Press Releases

Minister MOTEGI welcomed Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed’s visit to Japan and, noting that H.E. Sheikh Mohammed will attend the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026), stated that Japan will work together with Qatar toward the success of the next Asian Games, which will be held in Doha in 2030. Regarding the situation surrounding Iran, Minister MOTEGI expressed deep respect for Qatar’s important and persistent efforts as a mediator, including in the recent talks between the United States and Iran in New York, and further stated his desire to continue working closely with Qatar toward an early de-escalation of the situation and stabilization of the entire region.

1. Regarding the situation surrounding Iran, Minister MOTEGI expressed strong concern over a prolonged continuation of the current impasse between the United States and Iran, and pointed out that the disruption of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for more than six months has had a significant impact on the global economy. Against this backdrop, referring to Japan’s co-hosting of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting “Reinforcing Maritime Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain” on the occasion of the recent United Nations General Assembly, Minister MOTEGI emphasized that Japan will continue to make diplomatic efforts, in cooperation with the international community, including Qatar, to foster atmosphere necessary for the early restoration of stability in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
2. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed explained the current status of talks between the United States and Iran. The two Ministers shared the view that it is important to achieve a final agreement between the United States and Iran, including on the nuclear issue, and to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

1. Minister MOTEGI, referring to the signing of a long-term LNG contract between Japan and Qatar in February this year, expressed strong concern that Iran’s attacks had caused damage to LNG-related facilities in Qatar having a serious impact on its LNG exports.
2. Minister MOTEGI emphasized that Japan promotes the updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP), which enhances the autonomy and resilience of individual countries, and stated that, in light of the current situation surrounding Iran, Japan has been formulating a comprehensive cooperation plan aimed at strengthening the economic and energy resilience of the Gulf countries, including Qatar. Furthermore, Minister MOTEGI emphasized that Japan intends to play an active role in ongoing projects in Qatar, including LNG development, the expansion of waste treatment facilities, and railway and airport infrastructure. In response, Prime Minster and Foreign Minister Mohammed welcomed Japan’s initiative and expressed a desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in the energy sector.