Joint Statement on the Strengthening of the Comprehensive Partnership towards Stability and Prosperity between Japan and the State of Qatar H.E. Mr Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, visited the State of Qatar from August 27 to 28, 2013. Prime Minister Abe met with H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, on August 28. They reviewed the relations between Japan and Qatar and issues of mutual concern and reaffirmed the importance of further expanding bilateral cooperation. On behalf of the people of Japan, Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s gratitude for the support extended by the State of Qatar after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011 including the reconstruction assistance of US$ 100 million in the form of the “Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF)” and the additional supply of huge amount of LNG and LPG. Prime Minister Abe met with H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Recalling the past Joint Statements, issued at the meetings of the Japan-Qatar Joint Economic Committee, both sides welcomed tangible progress of the bilateral cooperation in the political and economic fields, as well as in cultural and people-to-people exchanges in the past, especially through the joint project of “Qatar Japan 2012” designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Qatar. They expressed their intention to further strengthen the comprehensive partnership between the two countries towards stability and prosperity through updating the level of cooperation in various fields as follows; 1. Cooperation in the Political and Security Fields Welcome the signing of the Memorandum on Policy Dialogue between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries on the occasion of this visit. Hold a Security Dialogue to discuss global and regional security issues. Welcome the high level of defense exchange and cooperation between Japan and Qatar so far achieved including the holding of staff talks, accepting Arabic Language trainees from Japan at the language school of Qatari Armed Force, exchange of students between the National Defense Academy of Japan and the Military College of Qatar. Expand dialogues and cooperation between Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) based on the Memorandum on Cooperation and Strategic Dialogue and on the Action Plan, and hold Japan-GCC Strategic Dialogue at Ministerial level and a Senior Officials Meeting as early as possible. 2. Cooperation in the Economic Fields, Agriculture, and Medical Service Welcome the implementation of reconstruction projects in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake supported by the “Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF)”. Reiterate the importance of the stability of the global energy market and welcome Qatar’s commitment to supplying oil and LNG to Japan in a manner that is beneficial to both countries and that contributes to bringing stability to the markets. Reiterate the importance to further promote bilateral cooperation in the energy field as well as multilateral dialogues between producers and consumers, namely the second LNG Producer-Consumer Conference to be held in September 2013 in Tokyo. Welcome Japanese companies’ participation in oil and natural gas development and LNG projects and helium projects in Qatar, and reaffirm Qatar’s support for Japanese companies. Welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation in the fields of oil and gas between Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Qatar Petroleum (QP) in August 2013. Welcome the long-standing implementation of training programs for engineers and dispatch of experts of oil industry including refinery by Japan Cooperation Center, petroleum (JCCP) and some other Japanese companies. Expand bilateral cooperation on infrastructure development in Qatar through encouraging Japanese companies to participate in infrastructure projects with regard to the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup including construction of stadiums, Doha Metro, desalination and waste water treatment projects and others. Reiterate the importance of Japan-Qatar Joint Economic Committee to deepen and diversify bilateral economic relations. Welcome the holding of Qatar-Japan Business Forum on the occasion of this visit and appreciate the seminar on infrastructure projects of Qatar in February 2013 and the launch of the discussion on the 3rd seminar on infrastructure projects, as well as the seminar on Infrastructure Projects and Water and Wastewater Management Technology in January 2012 and the water related technology seminar in April 2012. Welcome the establishment of a research institute on water treatment by a Japanese company in the Qatar Science Technology Park. Welcome the launch of the negotiation of the agreement between Japan and the State of Qatar for the promotion and protection of investment and emphasize the importance of continuing the discussion on a double taxation treaty between the two countries. Emphasize the importance of medical exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, including human recourses development in the health sector, by utilizing Japan’s advanced medical technology and services through Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ) and others. Promote cooperation in the field of disaster prevention and risk management including nuclear disasters through sharing Japan’s experience and lessons learnt from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Cooperate for the resolution of differences of views and continual negotiation for the Free Trade Agreement between Japan and the Cooperation Council for the Arab State of the Gulf (GCC) member states when the GCC restart negotiations with the nations, economic groups and economic blocks. Work to support the negotiations of Doha Development Round at the WTO. Promote mutual understanding of food cultures and information exchange between Japanese and Qatari food industries in order for Japan to contribute to healthy and rich dietary customs of the people of Qatar. Enhance Japan’s technical cooperation and information sharing on advanced technologies for more productive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries, including renewable energy and plant factories. Share the common recognition to actively participate in the 3rd Japan-Arab Economic Forum and contribute to the success of the Forum. 3. Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Education and People-to-People Exchanges Promote bilateral cooperation in the field of education, culture, science and technology and people-to-people exchanges. Increase in number of Qatari students who study in Japan, while noting Japan’s policy to invite trainees from the Middle East and send in return Japanese instructors to the region. Promote exchange of young people under the short-term stay in both directions under the well organized programs. Implement a study program for Qatari young leaders under the cooperation with the Qatar Leadership Development Center of the Qatar Foundation. Welcome the future expansion of the Japan School in Doha in order to encourage exchanges in primary education with the Qatari schools, so that the understanding on the value the Japanese-style education will be promoted in Qatar. Welcome the Ajyal Film Festival for the Young to be organized by the Doha Film Institute in November 2013 that will focus on the Japanese Anime. Reiterate the importance to cooperate in the field of tourism as a means of facilitating people-to-people exchanges and economic activities, and deepening mutual understanding between the two countries, through such measures as exchange of information, publications and data related to tourism. Welcome Japan’s decision to simplify visa procedures for application of ordinary passport holders for Japanese visas, and consideration to the waiver of visas for Japanese and Qatari diplomatic or official/special passport holders, seeking entry into the other country for diplomatic or official purposes, or for a temporary visit. Welcome Japan’s participation in the 24th Doha International Book Fair scheduled in December 2013. (END)
Posted on: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 10:53:36 +0000
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