Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Minister of Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda on Thursday said Japan will deepen its cooperation toward the development of the LNG market by utilizing the annual “LNG production and consumption conference” and other methods. In addition, Japan will deepen cooperation in decarbonization.

Hagiuda was replying to an Arab News Japan question on the position of the Japanese government regarding the decision by thermal power company JERA last month that it will not renew its large-scale contract with Qatar and how that might impact the bilateral relationship and supply of LNG.

“I am aware of JERA’s decision, but I would like to refrain from commenting because it is a negotiation between private companies,” Minister Hagiuda said. “On the other hand, Qatar, the world’s largest supplier of LNG, has long been one of Japan’s most important partners in terms of energy and security, and we know that LNG imports will continue.”

Hagiuda said Japan appreciates the Qatar government’s various considerations toward Japan and “our friendship with Qatar will not change.”

He added: “There is a limit for a state to intervene. While continuing to value the relationship of trust with the Qatar government, we hope to find our next collaboration.”