Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi
Doha: The growing diplomatic ties between Qatar and Japan which marked its 50th year yesterday will further enhance bilateral commercial and investment cooperation, said Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Al Khulaifi said: “We are hoping we can touch base on other aspects as well in the future, but time will show those great opportunities that will be open for both countries.”
“We are quite far in this strong relationship between Qatar and Japan that has lasted over 50 years and hopefully progress even more in the future. Our collaboration touches on more commercial investments and cultural activities, hoping it can progress even more in the upcoming years,” Dr. Al Khulaifi said.
He added: “We are proud of our relationship with Japan and hoping that we can enhance that ties in the future with all possible means.”
The two countries celebrated its five decades relationship at Msheireb Barahat Square in Msheireb Downtown Doha with the theme “Together to the Future.”
It was attended by several Ambassadors and dignitaries. The programme started with the singing of National Anthem of both countries, followed by a Taiko Drumming performance from the Japanese Society of Qatar entitled “Doha World Cup version” with the music “C’est La Vie,” by Khaled. And a Projection Mapping Show explaining the relations of Qatar and Japan throughout the half century.
Japanese Ambassador H E Satoshi Maeda told The Peninsula: “We have 50 years in history between two countries and I really appreciate the support from Qatar and we are proud of supporting the development of Qatar.”
He also stressed that Qatar has extended its assistance especially during the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami also known as the “Great East Japan Earthquake.” Qatar provided additional 4 million tonnes of LNG and $100m in aid, we won’t forget it,” he said.
Assistant Foreign Minister for Regional Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi; Ambassador of Japan H E Satoshi Maeda; and others attend the event marking 50 years of Qatar-Japan diplomatic relations, yesterday. Pic: Amr Diab
Speaking on the development that most impacted the two countries, Ambassador Maeda said it was the Strategic Dialogue which occurred last year.
“This is the turning point of two countries based on economic sphere, especially energy and security. What has been changing a lot is globalisation and change of power. We should focus on the next era on a much broader basis and the strategic dialogue was a very good start,” he explained.
The said dialogue was in between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Motegi Toshimitsu.
Ambassador Maeda also mentioned that his country and Qatar has “good potential” for the years to come in different sectors including energy, diplomacy, culture, politics and national security.
Satoru Katsuno, Chairman of Japan-Qatar Friendship Association, also extended his congratulatory message to the countries through a video message.
“The relationship between our two countries is represented by not only energy trades and infrastructure development for subway, airport and LNG plants, but also in the field of diplomatic ties, culture, sports, and education,” Satoru Katsuno said.
Katsuno also mentioned the first-ever Olympic gold medals for Qatar won by Fares Al Bakh in weightlifting and Mutaz Essa Barshim in men’s high jump during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Likewise, the country’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 this November.
“As Chairman of Japan-Qatar Friendship Association, I will cherish the relationship of trust that have been cultivated over the past half century, and I will do my utmost to further strengthen our ties with Qatar, deepen exchanges in various fields, and develop together for the next half century,” he explained.
