H.E. Ambassador of Qatar to Japan and members of the embassy visit INTILAQ Tohoku Innovation Center

H.E. Mr. Hassan bin Mohammed Rafei Al-Emadi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan, and members of the embassy, Mr. Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Zeyara, Minister Plenipotentiary and Mr. Rashed bin Mubarak Al-Khater, Second Secretary at the Embassy, visited three facilities that were implemented by the Qatar Friendship Fund in Japan to help with the reconstruction of areas that witnessed widespread destruction by the earthquake and tsunami of March 2011.

His Excellency and members of the embassy began the tour with a visit to the "INTILAQ" Innovation Center in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. This innovation center, which cost 16.5 million dollars, is part of an interconnected global network in the field of entrepreneurship that brings together start-ups seeking to engage in new and innovative projects. The center includes a room dedicated to the State of Qatar, including a variety of posters, brochures and promotional materials to spread Qatari culture and heritage.

His Excellency and the members of the embassy received a warm welcome from the officials of these three facilities, who explained the progress, work plans and expected accomplishments. The officials expressed their appreciation for the initiative of the State of Qatar as well as the support during the disaster, and the kind humanitarian gesture of contributing to the efforts of rebuilding the disaster-affected areas. The officials also stressed that these projects will always be a symbol of the strong friendship and cooperation between Japan and the State of Qatar.

It should be noted that the Qatar Friendship Fund in Japan implemented 12 projects to meet the urgent and sustainable needs of the residents of the areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami, in three provinces, namely Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima, and these projects focused on four main areas: education, fisheries, health care and entrepreneurship.