Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
The Japanese Embassy in Qatar hosted a farewell reception for outgoing Japanese Ambassador HE Satoshi Maeda, who has completed his tenure. The event also commemorated the 70th anniversary of Japan Self-Defence Forces Day.
Attendees included Brig. Hamad Salmeen Al Jabri of the Amiri Naval Forces, Brig. Ahmad Mohamed Al Dahi, Defence Attaché of Japan Col. Tatsukawa Ryo, ambassadors, defence attachés, officials from Qatar’s Armed Forces, members of the Japanese community, media, and other guests.
HE Satoshi Maeda expressed his gratitude to the leadership and officials of the Qatari government, embassy staff, the Japanese community, and friends for their support in successfully fulfilling his diplomatic mission.
He noted that the relationship between Japan and Qatar was elevated to a strategic partnership during the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to Qatar last year. “Our focus has expanded beyond LNG to a comprehensive policy aimed at strengthening ties across a broader range of areas,” he said. “Security cooperation is indeed one of the key pillars of this policy, and it is becoming increasingly active these days.”
He added that in June, on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Qatar and Japan held their first Defence Ministerial meeting, where the two ministers engaged in a constructive discussion on various security issues of mutual concern. “And just last weekend, the Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) destroyer Murasame visited Doha port for the first time in 12 years,” he noted.
He expressed that this port visit represents a symbolic milestone in the path of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with promising opportunities for further progress in such a significant area.
Reflecting on his and his family’s three-year stay in Qatar, he highlighted witnessing remarkable events, including the World Cup, Doha Expo 2023, and the Japanese prime minister’s first visit to Qatar in ten years.
Speaking about the regional situation, particularly Gaza, he noted it was a major focus over the past year. Despite a busy schedule, he found his term both fulfilling and a valuable learning experience.
Speaking about the anniversary celebrations, he shared that the Self-Defense Forces were founded on July 1, 1954, making 2024 the 70th anniversary of their establishment. “We are very pleased to host the SDF Reception for the first time in this milestone year,” he said.
He also highlighted that Qatar-Japan defence cooperation and exchange, dating back to 2010, have focused on Arabic language training provided by the Language Institute of the Qatar Armed Forces and short-term international student programmes at the Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College.
He noted that to enhance cooperation, a resident Defence Attaché was appointed to Qatar for the first time in June last year, a position he assumed personally.
“The inaugural Military-to-Military Dialogue took place in November, marking a new chapter in our defence relations,” he said, adding that Japan is committed to strengthening its defence cooperation with Qatar’s forces.
On the occasion, two signature Japanese dishes were served alongside an elaborate dinner: a curry and rice dish inspired by the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s recipe, and ‘karaage’, a fried chicken recipe from the Air Self-Defense Force.
