Ambassador of Qatar to Japan: Bilateral relations constitute model of cooperation, friendship, common interests

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri stressed that the relations between the two countries constitute a model of cooperation, friendship and common interests, noting that the leadership, government and people of the State of Qatar attach special importance to the existing partnership with Japan.

This came in a speech delivered by His Excellency during a reception held by the Japan-Qatar Friendship Association (JQFA), on the occasion of assuming his duties as Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan, and to welcome His Excellency as Honorary Chairman of the association.

HE the Ambassador said that the agreement signed between the two countries last year to advance relations from the stage of cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership, establishes closer cooperation in all areas of economic, cultural, artistic, scientific, defense, security and academic exchange.

For her part, Deputy Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Misako Takahashi noted the long history of friendship extending for more than half a century between the two countries. Her Excellency expressed her country's pride in its partnership with the State of Qatar, which culminated in high-level dialogues and bilateral summit meetings which were held in July and December last year.

Her Excellency also expressed her great appreciation for the proactive diplomatic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the midst of the difficult situation in the region, noting that Japan will continue to work closely with the State of Qatar in order to achieve stability in the region.

For his part, Chairman of the Japan-Qatar Friendship Association and Chairman of Chubu Electric Power Co. Satoru Katsuno underlined the association's role in promoting economic and cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.

He expressed his thanks for the generous material and moral support provided by the State of Qatar immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, including the additional supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) immediately and the donation of $100 million, which significantly contributed to the reconstruction of the affected areas.