Qatar succeeds in finding quick, effective solutions to economic, food security issues

The Qatar government has succeeded in finding quick and effective solutions to the economic and food security issues related to the blockade on the country, says Japanese ambassador Seiichi Otsuka.

Speaking to Gulf Times, the envoy stressed that Qatar managed to overcome the siege from its start two years ago with the wise diplomacy of the leadership.

“I believe that the siege that has been imposed on Qatar for two years now has very little effect on the daily lives of the people and residents of Qatar,” Otsuka said.

He noted that the country is making strides towards producing more food locally – a commendable effort which has a positive effect on the lives of people of Qatar both citizens and residents.

Otsuka also lauded Qatar’s diplomatic efforts for making the region stabilised and such “pro-active diplomacy never fails to bring better effect not only to the Qatar side but also to counterpart countries.”

“Asian countries used to see the member states of GCC as a bloc or similar states. However, Asian countries need to strengthen the ties with these Gulf States equally as economic and commercial partners,” he said.

“Therefore, more frequent mutual contacts and interaction between the Far East countries and the Gulf countries are essential, and beneficial for both sides,” the envoy added.

“In this regard, the session of Asian Cooperation Dialogue meetings hosted by Qatar last month deserves high appreciation. It is also the Japanese side’s wish to diversify the co-operation field between the two countries,” he said.

Knowledge-based industries and economy will also be introduced under the new investment environment in Qatar where more foreign investors can be attracted, according to Otsuka.

The approach for forming joint ventures between the two sides can provide an opportunity to make smooth transfer of technology to the indigenous companies, he noted.

“In this regard, the recent enactment of the new law on non-Qatari investment is noteworthy.”

Otsuka said Qatar’s active diplomacy and its exposure to the Japanese public will bring about more attention and interest of Japan’s private sector towards the potential of the Qatar market.

“The existing economic and trade ties will be obviously enhanced,” he stressed.

Otsuka noted that the relations between Japan and Qatar have always been characterised by a deep and fruitful co-operation where economic exchanges have been the backbone of these relations.

Strong ties between the two countries have been seen over more than four decades, thanks to the strong political will of the two countries.

Solid foundations for bilateral cooperation have been established in all economic, cultural, technical, scientific, defense and security fields.

“The strong will for further developing our bilateral cooperative relations was also evident in the recent visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Japan as part of the Asian Tour which enabled the first high level meeting of the two countries since the beginning of the blockade on Qatar.

“The tour marked a new era in Qatar's relations with Japan and provided a clear indication of the determination of the Qatari leadership to begin new chapters in cooperation with our country and develop it to advanced stages of long-term strategic partnerships in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said.

During the visit, the envoy noted that the Amir’s meetings with former emperor Akihito, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and senior officials have served the interests of the two countries and their friendly people.

Six memorandums of understandings were signed and witnessed the exchanging of views on all regional and international issues of common concern.

“Qatar now is an important and effective player in the international arena, its contributions to the stabilisation of the region is widely recognised and we share similar views on many international and humanitarian issues,” Otsuka said.

About the best solution to the regional rift, he hopes that the crisis will be resolved soon through negotiations and dialogue.

Otsuka noted that “the regional integration in the Gulf is very important and Qatar's handling of the crisis is commendable, as it did not take any escalating steps in exchange for the measures taken against it.”

“Japan supports the mediation efforts led by the State of Kuwait, because this crisis can only be resolved from inside the Gulf countries,” he stressed.

About Qatar’s massive infrastructure programme, the envoy said the completion and inauguration of Al Janoub Stadium is a great achievement for Qatar.

“I believe the other venues are also underway and are expected to be completed in time for the big event. We are happy to see that the infrastructure programme is on track and moving forward,” he said.

“The soft opening of the Doha Metro, also one year ahead of schedule as I hear, is yet another impressive achievement of Qatar which is expected to ease the traffic in the capital city Doha and will without doubt boost the country’s infrastructure in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” Otsuka said.

“We are truly honoured that major Japanese companies are engaged in Qatar's vital infrastructure projects, including Doha Metro.”

“We wish that FIFA World Cup 2022 shall be a great success as it will be a huge milestone not only for Qatar but for the region as a whole,” he added.

“Before this big event, we have in Japan the Rugby World Cup this year and Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Therefore we are willing to share our experience as a host country with Qatar including the security measures and logistical support and public relations.”

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