Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Qatar on Tuesday became the first country to officially sign a participation contract for Japan’s International Horticultural Exhibition Yokohama 2027.

Qatar’s Ambassador to Japan, Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri, signed the official participation contract at Tokyo’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The Japanese side was represented by KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, Commissioner-General of the International Horticultural Exhibition Yokohama 2027, and KOMURA Masato, Secretary-General of the Horticultural Exhibition, which will be held under the theme “Happy Future Landscape” from March 19 to September 26, 2027, in Yokohama.

The event is also known as the GREEN X EXPO 2027, and has an official mascot, Tunku Tunku.

Qatar aims to broaden its international presence and enhance its active role in international exhibitions and events focused on sustainability and the environment. Confirmation of its participation highlights the growing strategic partnership between Qatar and Japan and the close cooperation between the two countries in sustainable development and cultural exchanges.

The Ambassador reiterated Qatar’s commitment to participating in the Exhibition and working alongside the Japanese side to ensure its success. He added that participation in the Yokohama event builds on the success achieved by Qatar in hosting the Doha Horticultural Expo 2023, which was held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region under the slogan “Green Desert, Better Environment.”

“It is my great pleasure and honor to have signed on behalf of the Government of Qatar to participate in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama,” the Ambassador said. “I am delighted to be here today to showcase our country’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to announce that we are one of the early signatories and the first country to announce and sign a participation contract, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to this cause.”

The Ambassador stated that Qatar’s participation demonstrates his nation’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural exchange. “We are proud to share our unique experiences, traditions, and achievements with the world. At the same time, we are eager to learn from others and build new partnerships that will benefit humanity for generations to come,” he said.

Regarding the theme of “Green Desert,” OTA Yoshihisa, the Executive Director of the event, told Arab News Japan that in terms of inheriting the spirit of the previous Qatar Expo and expanding upon it, the organizers have chosen “Creating Tomorrow’s Landscape of Happiness” as a principal theme. Beyond this, he added, there were sub-themes such as harmony with nature, the coexistence of greenery and agriculture, and the creation of new industries through collaboration to find solutions.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) said Qatar’s commitment, following on from its successful hosting of Expo 2023 Doha, sets the stage for meaningful global participation in Expo 2027 Yokohama.

Tim Briercliffe, the Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers, recalled that “the participation from Qatar has always been very high quality and I know that visitors will enjoy the cultural experience and innovative thinking from a country that is looking seriously at a sustainable future for horticulture.”