“We give Japan a priority considering the very long, successful partnership with Japan, especially LNG,” Mohammed Saleh Al-Sada said during a visit to Tokyo.

Al-Sada, who is also chairman of Qatargas, added: “We are in a position maybe better than others to supply LNG to Japan.”

Qatar is the world’s largest producer and exporter of LNG.

In response to a question on price falls in crude oil on Tuesday, the energy minister said he is watching supply and demand.

Mohammed Saleh Al-Sada made the comment to Reuters while on his way to meet Trade Minister Yukio Edano.

Al-Sada, who is also chairman of Qatargas, was asked if OPEC should cut production to stop crude oil prices falling further.

He said: “We are watching supply and demand.”