HH The Amir, Japan's Prime Minister Discuss Promoting Bilateral Ties

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a session of official talks with HE Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Tuesday evening.

At the outset of the session of official talks, HE the Japanese Prime Minister welcomed HH The Amir and the accompanying delegation, recalling HH The Amir last visit to Japan four years ago and the subsequent meetings. He said Japan attaches the highest level of confidence to Qatar as a gas exporting country. HE the Japanese Prime Minister pointed out that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will be marked in 2021. He also said that the State of Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup, looking forward to further communication to strengthen bilateral relations.

HE the Japanese Prime Minister also expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to HH The Amir for Qatar's efforts to help release the Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda, who was arrested in Syria.

HH The Amir expressed his happiness at his second visit to Japan, at his meeting with the Prime Minister, and at further development of relations between the two countries, stressing the importance of this visit in enhancing progress and development to include areas other than the existing fields of energy and cooperation.

Regarding the Japanese Premier's reference to the 2022 World Cup Qatar, His Highness said that Japan will also host the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, expressing his confidence that it will be a successful and perfect tournament, and looking forward to the cooperation of the concerned committees to benefit from the experience of Japanese friends in organizing such events.

The session of official talks focused on aspects of strengthening bilateral relations to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

The two sides discussed the latest regional and international developments, especially the situation in the region in both Syria and Yemen, as well as the Gulf crisis. The two sides also agreed on the importance of dialogue and political and peaceful solutions to different conflicts and crises.

The talk session was attended by Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying HH The Amir.

On the Japanese side, it was attended by a number of Their Excellencies the ministers and senior officials.

HH The Amir was accorded an official reception upon arrival at the Prime Minister's Office.