His Excellency Mr. Toshihiro Nikai, President of the Japanese Parliamentary Association for Friendship with the State of Qatar, praised the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the country, "may God protect him," that the Shura Council elections will be held next October.

His Excellency Mr. Nikai said that this announcement is an important step in the process of the Shura Council and expanding the participation of citizens. He also praised the decisions recently taken by the State of Qatar regarding amending some provisions of the Labor Law, and considered it a good and important step to make the State of Qatar "an attractive destination for skilled workers" from all walks of life. It contributes to enhancing competition in the Qatari labor market and meets all the needs of skilled workers.

Mr. Nikai referred to the great importance that Japan attaches to the State of Qatar as a strategic partner, stressing keenness to consolidate friendship bonds, enhance economic cooperation and build strategic partnership between the two countries.

While HE Hassan bin Mohammed Al-Emadi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan, affirmed that the State of Qatar appreciates the level of its excellent relations with Japan and attaches great importance to building a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

This came during a meeting of His Excellency Mr. Toshihiro Nikai with His Excellency Mr. Hassan bin Mohammed Al Emadi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations and issues of common concern.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mr. Takahashi Katsuhiko, Director General of the Middle East and Africa Department at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Mr. Tadahiko Ito, Member of Parliament and Secretary-General of the Japanese Parliamentary Association for Friendship with the State of Qatar, and Mr. Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Ziyara, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Embassy.