Al-Kuwari and Tsukioka after signing the MoU that will provide a platform for the exchange of training and development programmes and experiences in the operations and management of downstream oil industry.
A special celebration to mark 35 years of business relationship with Idemitsu was held by Qatar International Petroleum Marketing Company (Tasweeq) in Doha recently.
This celebration was attended by HE the Minister of Energy and Industry Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, also Tasweeq’s chairman, Japanese ambassador Shingo Tsuda and representatives from Idemitsu headed by Takashi Tsukioka, representative director & CEO.
Business relations, particularly in energy, occupy a high rank in the bilateral relationship between Qatar and Japan. The relationship of Idemitsu and Qatar initially began through Qatar Petroleum in 1979, when the first shipment of Qatar crude oil reached the shores of Japan.
In 1988, a long-term contract for the supply of Qatar crude oil was established. This relationship was carried through by Tasweeq in the recent years and the term contract is now in its 25th year.
Saad al-Kuwari, Tasweeq chief executive officer and Board member, said: “One of the most significant aspects of the Japan-Qatar business relationship is the sale and purchase of crude oil. We are so proud of our business relations with Idemitsu, which continue to grow and flourish. In addition to crude oil, Tasweeq also supplies other products to Idemitsu.
Tsukioka thanked HE Dr al-Sada and Tasweeq’s management for their support to Idemitsu. He said: “I am so delighted and honoured to celebrate the 35th anniversary of our business tie-up. The total volume lifted for Qatar Crude during these 35 years has reached almost 500mn barrels and this is indeed a testament of our strong and enduring relationship, which I hope will continue for many years to come.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tasweeq and Idemitsu. The main objective of the MoU was to provide a platform for the exchange of training and development programmes and experiences in relation to the operations and management of the downstream oil industry.
In the final segment of the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a rich cultural fusion through the melodies played by Japanese violinists and the rhythms of an Arabic band.
The ceremony was held at the Renaissance City Centre Hotel in West Bay, and was also attended by senior executives and directors from Tasweeq, Qatar Petroleum and Idemitsu.
