2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Ashraf Siddiqui Doha The upcoming third Qatar-Japan strategic dialogue meeting will be held in Doha, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed, HE Satoshi Maeda, the outgoing ambassador of Japan to Qatar, has said. The meeting aims to build upon the deepening partnership initiated in July 2023 by the then Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Key discussion topics will include regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange, with a focus on fostering avenues for expanded collaboration, the ambassador said.
Addressing a press conference at his official residence, he said that for over half a century, Japan and Qatar have enjoyed a robust relationship grounded in mutual trust and cooperation. “Japan has played a pivotal role in developing Qatar’s LNG industry since the 1990s, while Qatar’s reliable energy exports to Japan have supported the Japanese economy,” he noted. He added that the partnership between the two countries has recently been elevated to a strategic level, now extending beyond energy to encompass foreign policy, investment, security, education and cultural ties.
The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, celebrated in 2022, was a significant milestone marked by high-level visits and new initiatives to further strengthen these ties, HE Maeda said. Elaborating further, the Japanese envoy said that a tangible outcome of this strengthened partnership is increased connectivity, including direct flights between Tokyo and-Doha, and Osaka-Doha. These routes are expected to enhance people-to-people exchanges, business opportunities, and tourism between the two countries.
He said that Japan is also exploring investment opportunities in Qatar’s semiconductor and battery sectors, aligning with its broader objectives in green technology, digital transformation, and healthcare. These projects complement Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aims to diversify its economy and embrace sustainable development. Speaking on bilateral relations in the defence sector, he noted that the relationship has grown significantly.
The inaugural Japan-Qatar military dialogue took place in Doha in November 2023, focusing on future defence cooperation. Additionally, the Japan-Qatar Defence Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore in June 2023 underscored both countries’ commitment to security collaboration, further evidenced by the recent visit of the Japanese destroyer ‘Murasame’ to Doha. These interactions reflect an expanding alliance in regional security.
Ambassador Maeda highlighted Japan’s appreciation for Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in mediating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Recognising Qatar’s pivotal role in regional peace initiatives, Japan actively supports mediation processes to de-escalate tensions and promote a two-state solution. As a member of the G7 and the UN Security Council, Japan coordinates with Qatar to foster regional stability and calls on all parties to avoid further escalation and ensure the protection of civilians.
Talking about the economic relationship between Japan and Qatar, Ambassador Maeda noted that it remains robust, with Japan’s exports to Qatar reaching a 15-year high in 2023. Japan’s interest in areas such as clean energy, digital technology, and carbon management aligns closely with Qatar’s development objectives. The two nations are also working together on green technology initiatives, including projects in carbon capture and storage.
Regarding relations in the cultural sector, the ambassador stated that Qatar and Japan share a mutual respect and admiration. Japanese anime and traditional cuisine have a notable presence in Qatar, and cultural programmes such as Japanese language contests and scholarships further foster mutual understanding. The envoy expressed his hope that his legacy will be one of enriched cultural, strategic, and economic ties between the two nations.
As Asia’s economic influence continues to rise, Qatar’s growing partnerships with Japan and the broader East Asian region position it well to benefit from advanced technology, economic opportunities, and a shared commitment to addressing global challenges, he concluded. Copy 10/11/2024 10.
