Two world leaders, the President of Republic of Türkiye and the Prime Minister of Japan, visited Doha Yesterday further strengthening the relations with Qatar in political, economic, and cultural fields. The ties with both countries run deep and over the decades have grown into a strong bond between the governments and the people.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met the President of Republic of Türkiye H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Prime Minister of Japan H E Fumio Kishida separately at the Amiri Diwan and discussed ways to strengthen the relations between the countries and also regional and international developments. Leaders of both countries share Qatar’s political position that dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation are the basis for security, stability and peace, and in resolving international and regional disputes.
Qatar’s international role in mediating and solving disputes was emphasized in a comment by the visiting Japanese Prime Minister when he said, “I intend to closely work on the international stage with Qatar which plays a vital role in easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the international community.” The Turkish President’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while Qatar and Japan have had diplomatic relations since 1971.
The State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye enjoy a well-established strategic partnership. The leaders of the two countries discussed yesterday preparations for the ninth session of the Supreme Strategic Committee, investment opportunities and growing economic and trade relations.
The State of Qatar also stepped in when the two countries were affected by natural disasters. It came to the rescue and assist when the disastrous earthquake struck parts of Türkiye and Syria in February. Turkiye has since received more than 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance through more than 50 flights as part of the airbridge established by Qatar. The Qatari-Turkish container homes were established in Hatay.
H E Fumio Kishida reiterated Japan’s appreciation for Qatar’s assistance during the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which included an additional supply of four million tonnes of LNG and $100m in funds. Qatar also assisted in the evacuation of Japanese nationals and staff from Afghanistan and in the repatriation of Japanese citizens from Russia on Qatar Airways flights.
All this cements the fact that countries should defend and protect free and open international order based on the rule of law and should observe the principles of the United Nations Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity for preserving deep ties despite geographical distance and cultural differences.
