Doha, Qatar: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister of Japan H E Fumio Kishida held an official talks session at the Amiri Diwan yesterday.
At the outset of the session, H H the Amir welcomed H E Prime Minister of Japan and the accompanying delegation, wishing the relations between the two countries further development and growth, and stressing the importance of this visit as it will increase communication and coordination in order to enhance cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
H H the Amir indicated that the continuation of such meetings and mutual visits between the two sides will enhance bilateral coordination and consultation in various issues and areas of interest to the two countries.
His Highness expressed his happiness at announcement of upgrading the level of bilateral relations between Qatar and Japan to the level of strategic partnership, explaining that this announcement will contribute to the development of cooperation in areas of common interest. His Highness pointed to the levels of cooperation between the two countries in all fields, especially in energy, noting the level of cooperation with Japanese companies in Qatar.
For his part, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed his thanks for the warm welcome, congratulating H H the Amir on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of His Highness assuming power, while noting the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Qatari-Japanese diplomatic relations. His Excellency stressed its importance and looked forward to upgrading them to the highest levels during the next fifty years, commending at the same time the Japanese-Qatari partnership at various levels.
In this regard, he expressed his pleasure at the announcement of upgrading the level of partnership to the strategic level in order to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in energy, economy, defense, security and academic exchange.
During the session, they discussed the existing cooperation relations between the two countries, especially in the fields of economy and energy, in addition to discussing prospects of cooperation in various sectors.
HH the Amir and HE the Prime Minister of Japan also exchanged views on the most important regional and international issues.
The session was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Head of the State Security H E Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs H E Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of Commerce and Industry H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
On the Japanese side, it was attended by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary H E Yoshihiko Isozaki and a number of members of the official delegation accompanying the Japanese Prime Minister.
H H the Amir and H E the Japanese Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting, during which they discussed a number of issues of common concern. HH the Amir held a luncheon banquet in honor of the Japanese Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation.
An official reception ceremony was held for HE the Japanese Prime Minister upon his arrival at the Amiri Diwan.
Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida left Doha yesterday afternoon, following an official visit to the country. His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were seen off upon departure at Hamad International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan H E Hassan bin Mohammed bin Rafei Al Emadi, and Ambassador of Japan to Qatar H E Satoshi Maeda.
