Japanese PM wraps up Gulf tour with upgrade to Qatar ties

Japan's prime minister wrapped up a tour of the Middle East by agreeing to strengthen economic and energy co-operation with Qatar, the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Fumio Kishida held talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and the two leaders agreed to upgrade their national relationship from 'comprehensive' to 'strategic', "especially in energy, economy, defence, security and academic exchange."

"Coordination with Qatar is extremely important for stabilizing global liquefied natural gas markets," the Japanese foreign ministry said in a statement.

Japan's PM is travelling the region with a focus on securing energy supplies and promoting his country's high tech prowess.

Kishida's visit also included Saudi Arabia, where the countries reiterated commitments to oil supplies and co-operation on clean hydrogen, ammonia and recycled carbon fuels, and the UAE, where both nations agreed to a new scheme to accelerate energy security and a framework for Emirati companies to invest in Japanese chip and battery technology.