Japan’s FM hails ‘exceptionally strong’ Qatar-Japan ties, eyes strategic partnership

• Toshimitsu Motegi says bilateral relations rooted in 50+ years of friendship with LNG, infrastructure projects form backbone of economic cooperation
• Says upcoming visit to Doha to advance Strategic Dialogue, commending Qatar’s role in regional peace efforts

DOHA: Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday described the cooperative relationship between Japan and Qatar as “exceptionally strong,” bound by multifaceted and robust ties, and emphasised the importance of further strengthening collaboration as “strategic partners.”

In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) ahead of his upcoming visit to Doha, His Excellency highlighted that Japan-Qatar relations date back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972. Over the past half-century, cooperation has expanded across politics, economy, culture, and sports, creating a foundation of mutual trust and shared interests.

Motegi said this will be his second visit to Qatar, following his first in 2021, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the launch of the first ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue. He described the upcoming visit as a key opportunity to broaden bilateral cooperation and discuss economic and political issues, including efforts toward regional peace amid evolving international developments.

The Japanese minister reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing support for Qatar, citing early LNG imports from the North Field, Qatar’s assistance following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake—including 4 million additional tons of LNG and $100 million in aid—and support during the evacuation of Japanese nationals overseas. “The Japanese people will never forget the spirit of friendship and solidarity demonstrated by Qatar,” he said.

Motegi highlighted that economic cooperation, particularly in LNG, urban infrastructure, and critical services such as transportation, power generation, and desalination, remains the backbone of the bilateral relationship. Key projects include the Doha Metro, Hamad International Airport, and ongoing collaboration in infrastructure development and energy security. He noted that both countries are expanding cooperation beyond energy into investment, infrastructure, and industrial development, aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Japan’s experience in industrial transformation and human resource development.

Cultural, academic, and sports exchanges were also highlighted, including Qatar’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which showcased the country’s rich culture. The minister congratulated Qatar on qualifying for this year’s FIFA World Cup and wished both Qatar and Japan teams success.

On regional and international matters, Motegi praised Qatar’s constructive role in mediating ceasefires and negotiations, including between Israel and Hamas, the US and the Taliban, and the US and Iran. He underscored Japan’s respect and solidarity with Qatar amid recent security challenges, including attacks in June and September 2025.

Regarding Gaza, Japan plans a new assistance package of approximately $170 million for humanitarian aid, recovery, and reconstruction. Motegi outlined Japan’s “three pillars” approach for sustaining peace: continuous governance engagement, comprehensive support for Palestinian state-building, and expanded assistance networks through initiatives like the Conference on cooperation among East Asian countries for Palestinian Development (CEAPAD).