Japan supports talks to solve gulf crisis through dialogue

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono speaks at a news conference in Tokyo, Japan, August 3, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

DOHA - Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono expressed his government's support to resolve the diplomatic rift between Qatar and the Saudi-led bloc through consecutive dialogue during his meetings with Qatari officials in Doha on Saturday, Qatar's state news agency QNA reported Sunday.

Kono held separate meetings with Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani and Foreign Minister HE Mohammad bin Abdulrahman al Thani.

During the media briefing, Japan's Deputy Press Secretary Toshihide Ando said that the outstanding Gulf dispute was one of the key issues discussed during the meetings, QNA said.

Ando mentioned that the Japanese FM supports the mediation efforts of Kuwait and the U.S. to end up the Gulf crisis.

"Foreign Minister Kono said that Qatar and the region are important not only for energy security, but also for regional stability and therefore, Japan is watching the situation closely," he added.

Meanwhile, The Japanese FM discussed with the Qatari officials about what Japan can do in resolving the gulf crisis. The Qatari side responded positively to his comments, Ando said.

Ando said that Kono will be visiting Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt during his Middle East route after Qatar.