HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan Hassan bin Mohammed Rafi Al Emadi paid a visit to the Japanese University of Waseda, in order to follow-up on the progress of the 'Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies' project, which comes in implementation of the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, as an initiative to enhance cooperation between the institutes and institutions of education and scientific research in the State of Qatar and Japan.

His Excellency was welcomed upon arrival by President of Waseda University Dr. Aiji Tanaka, the University's Vice President for International Affairs Dr. Masahiko Gemma, Visiting Professor at the University and Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of Islamic Area Studies at the University Dr. Keiko Sakurai, and a number of professors and ranking officials.

During the meeting, the officials expressed their thanks and great appreciation for the State of Qatar on this significant project, of which they indicated would contribute to deepening the understanding between the cultures and civilizations of Japan and the Islamic World, adding that it will also contribute to strengthening the cooperation and friendship between the State of Qatar and Japan, especially since in 2022, the two countries will celebrate their 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

Dr. Aiji expressed the University's keenness and interest in activating scientific and academic cooperation and exchange between Waseda University and Qatar University, as well as other educational institutions in the State of Qatar, expressing his hope to attract Qatari students and researchers to study at Waseda University, to raise generations that contribute to bridging understanding and communication and consolidating partnership between the two friendly countries.

It is noteworthy that the Chair of the State of Qatar for Islamic Area Studies at Waseda University was inaugurated at the end of May of 2020, as part of the efforts to enhance and develop cooperation and exchange between the State of Qatar and Japan, and constitutes a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two friendly countries.