Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani (left); Director of MoFA Protocol Department H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro (right); and Ambassador of Japan H E Naoto Hisajima cut the cake at the reception yesterday. Pic: Ahmed Barakat/The Peninsula
Doha: Ambassador of Japan to Qatar H E Naoto Hisajima has lauded Qatar’s peace and humanitarian efforts in the region and beyond, especially its contribution in brokering the recent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
“I have been impressed with Qatar’s mediation diplomacy to promote stability and alleviate human suffering, not only in the Middle East but also in other parts of the world. Qatar’s unwavering commitment to peace was clearly demonstrated in its efforts to facilitate the ceasefire agreement in Gaza,” the Ambassador said while addressing a reception yesterday to celebrate the 65th birthday of H M Emperor Naruhito of Japan.
Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani; Director of MoFA Protocol Department H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro; and several other officials and diplomats attended the event.
“Japan, too, in close communication with the countries and international organizations concerned, continues to engage with the international efforts concerning the improvement of the humanitarian situations, the reconstruction and governance of Gaza, and will redouble its diplomatic efforts towards achieving a two-state solution and establishing long-term peace and stability in the region,” the Ambassador added.
Ambassador Hisajima has recently arrived in Doha. It is his first-ever posting in the Middle East and Arab world. "I arrived in Doha just three months ago, and I am very honoured and happy to serve as a Japanese Ambassador in such a beautiful country. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strong ties that bind Japan and Qatar.”
He added: “Qatar is a very attractive destination for foreign investment, and Japan too actively opens its doors to foreign business and offers best possible business environment. Japan is home to many companies with cutting-edge technologies, and we are excited to foster deeper cooperation with Qatar in fields such as semiconductors and healthcare technology.”
The Ambassador also highlighted Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, starting in April. “This Expo will bring together 158 countries and regions and 9 international organizations for a six-month period, allowing visitors to experience cutting-edge technologies, services, and systems that anticipate the future. For the visitors coming to the Expo from every corner of Japan and nations around the world, this will definitely be an unparalleled experience as they savour a taste of what the future holds. I truly hope many of you will visit the Expo and to celebrate innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange.
“Japan and Qatar share a remarkable friendship, and I look forward to many more years of collaboration and mutual respect. May our continued partnership bring prosperity, peace, and understanding to our peoples and to the world,” he remarked.
