Japan hopes to cement its relationship with Qatar, besides exploring the possibility of strengthening bilateral relations in education, health, solar energy and various industries, particularly aluminum. This was stated by Hiroshi Okuda, the special envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan to Qatar at a press briefing held at the Japanese Embassy yesterday. Okoda, who is here on two-day official visit to enhance the multi-layered bilateral relationship between Qatar and Japan, said he will have meetings with the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, today. "During the meeting with HH Sheikh Tammim I will deliver a letter from the Japanese Prime Minister with respect to the development of relationship between the two countries." He added that he will also pay a visit to the Ras Laffan Industrial City, which is one of the most important and symbolic places in the relation between Qatar and Japan. "When the ex-premier of Japan Shinzo ABE visited Qatar last year, he stressed that relationship between the two countries should be developed in various field not only energy and gas," said Okoda, adding the current Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has same direction. Talking about Japanese projects in Qatar, Okoda said there were already some companies involved in various projects, including in the oil and gas and power sectors, and building a terminal and VIP Hall for the New Doha International Airport. In addition, there are plans to explore other fields, including education, telecommunication and environmental projects, he added. Asked if there was any plan for signing agreements during his visit, he replied in the negative and said he was here only to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries. Talking about the Japanese school which will be teaching Japanese here, he said that discussion on the issue was going on, adding that the idea of opening schools that teach different languages is good and will encourage mutual understanding between cultures. Okuda added that he will also visit the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The press briefing was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Qatar, Yukio Kitazume, and the delegation accompanying the envoy.

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar