QATAR and Japan are witnessing a milestone in their decades-old relations by marking the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries next year. After the start of the diplomatic relations in May 1972, in January next year, the Embassy of Qatar was established in Japan and in May 1974, the Embassy of Japan was established in Qatar. Since then, both countries witnessed a steady and strong growth of ties.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi chaired the official opening session of the first strategic dialogue between Qatar and japan, launching of which was signed during the visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Japan in January 2019.
During the meeting, H E the Deputy Prime Minister praised the fruitful cooperation and friendship between the two countries, reiterating Qatar’s keenness to strengthen and expand these relations in all levels. He also expressed the country’s interest in celebrating the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations by holding cultural and sports events in the two countries.
The Japanese Foreign Minister said that his country is linked to a comprehensive partnership with Qatar with cooperation in various fields, especially in the energy sector. He noted the signing of several agreements in the fields of economy, trade, investment, legal affairs, culture and sports during the visit of H H the Amir to Japan.
Over half a century, the relations between Qatar and Japan have grown to the level of a strategic partnership. Now, Qatar is number one trade partner of Japan and liquefied natural gas (LNG) forms a major part of the bilateral trade. Qatar is also the third biggest crude supplier to Japan. In July 2019, Qatargas passed a milestone by successfully delivering the 3,000th LNG cargo to Japan. Qatargas has term contracts to supply LNG with many Japanese buyers including JERA, Tohoku Electric, Kansai Electric, Chugoku Electric, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Toho Gas and Shiszuoka Gas. Several Japanese companies are engaged in the development of different sectors in Qatar such as oil and gas industry, infrastructure, transport etc.
The bilateral relations are not limited to business and trade as both countries proved several times that they are true friends in need. After the tsunami and the Fukushima disaster which wreaked havoc in Japan, Doha established the Qatar Friendship Fund, which donated $100m to Japan for reconstruction projects. Qatar has opened a Qatar Science Campus in Sendai city and a Qatar Sports Park in Shirakawa.
Cultural relations between the two countries also have grown leaps and bounds in the past years. These ties will definitely witness further progress with the 50th year celebrations in the two countries, bringing cultures of both countries closer.
