Kishida stated that Qatar is a strategic partner for Japan Qatar will continue cooperation on issues related to Afghanistan and Russia TOKYO: Japan’s telephone diplomacy remained active with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 6, who held talks with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, and confirmed their cooperation to stabilize the energy market. Kishida stated that Qatar is a strategic partner for Japan and expressed his intention to maintain close ties with Al-Thani. The Japanese PM also expressed his gratitude for Qatar’s assistance in the evacuation of the Afghan citizens after the fall of Kabul, and its cooperation in realizing the return of Japanese energy cooperation citizens from Russia. In response, Qatar’s Emir expressed his renewed hopes for strengthening bilateral relations with Japan and stated that Qatar will continue cooperation on issues related to Afghanistan and Russia, according to the foreign ministry in Tokyo. In this regard, the leaders talked about the situation in Ukraine and said they will continue to coordinate their response closely. The two leaders confirmed that Qatar and Japan will cooperate toward stabilizing the international energy market. Kishida expressed his hopes for Qatar’s contribution as one of the world’s largest LNG exporters. Al-Thani said he hopes Japanese companies with advanced technologies will contribute to the development of human resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The two leaders also confirmed to further promote cooperation beyond the energy sector in various fields, especially on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Qatar.