Doha, 13 Jan. 2026

Jan Kitamura Toshihiro, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has said that Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi visit to Qatar underscores the high priority Japan places on the Middle East and on our strategic partnership with Qatar, a nation we deeply value.

Talking to the Editor of https://www.asiantelegraphqatar.comm, on the sidelines of the press briefing to the media in regards to 5-Nation diplomatic visit by the Foreign Minister of Japan, the Spokesperson said that mutual relations between Qatar and Japan are anchored in a decades-long legacy of trusted cooperation in the energy sector, where Japanese companies were honored to be among Qatar’s pioneering partners. This essential foundation continues to support both our nations and the region’s energy security. He added that however, our alliance has matured into a truly comprehensive and diversified partnership, expanding dynamically into new and vital areas.

He further added that this growth is evident across the board. Our security and defence cooperation is now substantive, advancing through established dialogues and practical collaboration.

It is to highlight that both countries' defense relations have deepened since the signing of a Memorandum on Defense Exchanges in May 2019, during the visit of HE Dr Khalid bin Mohammad al-Attiyah, Qatar’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs, to Japan.

Toshihiro highlighted the significant new step of the Memorandum for joint research on global security issues, a forward-looking initiative supported by Qatari funding that marks a meaningful leap in our strategic alignment.

He mentioned that ‘our ties are rapidly diversifying. Beyond the ongoing energy dialogue between our private sectors, Japanese firms are proud contributors to Qatar’s foundational infrastructure, including key projects like the Doha Metro. A landmark achievement is the establishment of a $2.5 billion joint investment fund, designed to fuel reciprocal growth for years to come, he added.

Toshihiro shown deep keenness, particularly in the powerful synergy in future-oriented fields like Artificial Intelligence and green technology, which aligns Qatar’s ambitious National Vision 2030 with Japan’s own innovation strategies.

He added that culturally and academically, bonds between both continue to strengthen through impactful initiatives like the "Qatar Chair" at a Japanese university and our shared commitment to global expos, building lasting people-to-people connections.

Earlier in his briefing to the media, he highlighted on the visit of Japanese top diplomat to Israel and Palestine which also facilitated important discussions on regional peace and stability.

The Spokesperson said that Japan maintains a principled and balanced stance, advocating steadfastly for a two-state solution. We announced substantial new aid for Palestinian humanitarian needs while urging all parties to refrain from actions that undermine peace. In this context, we wish to express Japan’s profound respect and gratitude for Qatar’s unique, effective, and indispensable mediation efforts, which we hold in the highest regard, he stressed.

In summary, the core achievement of Minister Motegi’s visit to Qatar was the profound Strategic Dialogue itself, which reinforced a partnership successfully transformed from its energy origins into a broad-based, strategic alliance.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson this partnership is now defined by regular high-level consultation, growing practical cooperation across security and defence, significant economic co-investment, and a shared vision for innovation and stability.

In his closing remarks addressing the media, he said that the enduring friendship and visionary cooperation with Qatar remain a cornerstone of Japan’s engagement with the Middle East. We look forward to continuing this collaborative journey for the benefit of both our peoples and the wider region.