Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Qatari leader Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani have agreed to cooperate in the energy field.

Kishida visited Qatar on Tuesday on the last leg of his three-nation tour of the Middle East.

At the start of the talks, Kishida said Japan and Qatar have more than a half-century of diplomatic ties. He also said he hopes to upgrade the relationship for the next 50 years through his visit.

The two leaders agreed that their countries will cooperate for stabilization of the global energy market, as its future is unpredictable against the background of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Qatar is one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas.

Kishida notified the Qatari leader of Japan's intention to offer technical assistance to shift to next-generation energy and help the country build a decarbonized society.

The leaders have also agreed to upgrade the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, and enhance dialogue between foreign and defense officials of Japan and Qatar.

Kishida stressed the importance of the rule of law and Japan's stance of not allowing attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force.

Tamim expressed opposition to military solutions to conflicts anywhere.