A view from the celebration hosted by the embassy of Qatar in Tokyo
He noted that the celebration of the anniversary provides a renewed opportunity to consolidate the comprehensive partnership by opening new channels of co-operation and exchange of experiences."We reiterate our keenness to work closely with our partners in Japan to strengthen, develop and diversify relations, and promote them to broader horizons that meet the desired aspirations of our two friendly countries," he added.
Another view from the celebration
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that in light of the successive developments in the world, which cast a shadow on global security and peace as well as the stability of energy markets and the protection of global transmission lines, "the partnership between our countries constitutes a model for developing multilateral international action for facing global security challenges, and pushing for peaceful solutions to disputes, in a way that guarantees the preservation of the security and economic gains of our two countries, and the achievement of global prosperity."
He expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the Japanese government and people for decades of fruitful partnership and constructive relations that painted a bright picture of the bilateral relations between countries.
He also renewed his thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to the strengthening and development of the bilateral relations over the past 50 years, and those who worked hard for their continuation and development.
HE Sheikh Mohamed invited the friendly Japanese people to visit Qatar in November to attend the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
"We look forward to welcoming you in your second country, hoping that this event will be an opportunity for the friendly Japanese people to learn about our Arab and Islamic culture, and to meet with their Qatari friends in an atmosphere dominated by fair sports competition," he said, expressing hope that this historic occasion will be an opportunity for the Qatari and Japanese sides to renew their resolve to start a new phase of serious work to build deeper relations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi
For his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoshimasa Hayashi extended his sincere congratulations on behalf of the Japan government to Qatar on the occasion, noting that Chubu Electric Power imported the first shipment of liquefied natural gas from Qatar in 1997, and since then Qatar has been an important partner and one of the most reliable gas suppliers to Japan, stressing that the relations have deepened closely, especially in the energy field.
He noted that Qatar supported Japan in various ways, including the $100mn contribution in the wake of the earthquake disaster that struck northeastern Japan in 2011; as well as its support for the return of Japanese citizens from abroad by continuing Qatar Airways flights at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, and most recently Qatar supported the evacuation of Afghan nationals with ties to Japan from Afghanistan.
He also expressed his thanks to Qatar for its support in facilitating the return of Japanese citizens from Russia in light of the current conditions.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs also highlighted HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani's attendance at the Tokyo Olympics last year, pointing to the participation of Qatari Olympic athlete Mutaz Barshim, and Qatar's winning of the first Olympic gold medal in men's high jump.
He expressed his wishes for the success of the FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar this year, and expressed his aspiration for the participation of the Japanese team in it, stressing the determination to continue making efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations in broad areas beyond energy.
For his part, Qatar's ambassador in Japan Hassan bin Mohamed al-Emadi said the two countries celebrate 50 years of success and achievement in strengthening and developing the relations of friendship, understanding and co-operation, which culminated in the comprehensive partnership established by His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and then the pace of development being increased by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
Qatar's ambassador praised the economic co-operation between the two countries, stressing that it constitutes the backbone of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, stressing that Japan is one of the most important trading partners for Qatar, and that Japanese companies were Qatar's first customers in the export of liquefied natural gas.
The ambassador also highlighted the most important milestones in the Qatari-Japanese relations since their establishment, including the first shipment of Qatari LNG to Japan in 1997, then the launch of direct flights of Qatar Airways to Japan in 2005, which contributed to the revitalisation of exchange and popular interaction between the two countries, pointing to the reopening of the Japanese School in Doha in 2009, and its contribution in raising generations that understand the cultures of the two countries.
In this context, he stressed the continuation of academic exchange between the two countries. He also noted the continued bilateral dialogue and consultation at the highest levels, noting in this regard that Qatar hosted last year the first strategic dialogue between the governments of the two countries.
Ambassador al-Emadi also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the friends and partners in Japan for the great role they played in the renaissance process in Qatar, saying: "We highly appreciate the efforts and contributions of many Japanese companies in implementing vital projects in Qatar, and everyone who contributed to strengthening the relations between the two countries."
Meanwhile, Toshihiro Nikai, member of the Japanese House of Representatives and President of the Japanese Parliamentary Association for Friendship with Qatar, praised the relations between Japan and Qatar, noting the achievements accomplished by the joint economic committee and its contribution to promoting the relations between the two countries through energy.
He expressed his thanks to Qatar Airways for continuing its flights in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, and his hope of increasing the number of travellers between the two countries after the end of the pandemic.
Satoru Katsuno, president of the Japan-Qatar Friendship Association (JQFA) and chairman of Chubu Electric Power, stressed the importance of the strategic relations between Japan and Qatar, and the contributions made by Japanese companies to vital projects in Qatar, and added that they will never forget the generous support provided by Qatar to Japan during the earthquake disaster, which included the provision of additional shipments of liquefied natural gas and the provision of $100mn to support the reconstruction efforts of the affected areas, which contributed to deepening trust and friendship between the two countries.
He underlined that Qatar and the Qatari people are dear friends of Japan and the Japanese people.
The celebration organised by Qatar's embassy in Tokyo to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations included pictures and posters, a presentation of the Qatari culture, a musical show on Qatari and Japanese art, and a special pavilion for models of the eight Qatari stadiums designated to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches.
A number of senior Japanese officials and politicians, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions accredited to Japan, and community figures attended the event.
