Japanese are best negotiators: Qatar's ex-oil minister

Qatar’s former energy minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah says he admires the Japanese following meetings with them for many years during his career, describing them as the best negotiators in the world.

Interviewed by the Saudi Arabic language monthly magazine 'Al Rajul' (The Man), Attiyah said he had visited scores of countries for negotiations on energy and related issues while he served at the oil ministry between 1992 and 2011.

“I have visited many countries but I have not seen any others like them in the art of negotiations… I was really impressed by Japan which I consider a school… I am ready to write a book about this country,” the 61-year-old official said.

Attiyah, who has four sons and two daughters, was asked about his philosophy during his career as an energy minister and previous government jobs.

“I have a special philosophy in work, which is transparency and team work.

“I am against individual work. My philosophy is for all of us to sit as a team and discuss all issues frankly and impartially,” he said.

“When I was in the ministry of energy and head of the Qatar Petroleum, I prepared a structure for both institutions based on transparency and ethics.

“I asked all employees, including myself, to sign these rules so they will apply to all, including me.”

Attiyah said his main hobby is reading and light exercise, adding that he starts his day after the dawn prayers with a light breakfast of a cup of tea and a piece of croissant.

“I then read the newspapers then start reading a book.

“I love reading and I always buy books from every country I visit. Buying a new book is a treasure for me.”

Attiyah described himself as a “socialising man” and said that he still meets “childhood” friends to talk about the old days.

Although he has served nearly 40 years in the government and was awarded many prizes, Attiyah said he does not plan to retire for the time being .

“In case I receive an offer to become a minister again, I will refuse it. I can serve my country in many fields without any restrictions.”

Attiyah started his career in 1972 with the Qatari ministry of finance and petroleum before he was promoted in the following years until he was named minister of energy in 1992.

He resigned in 2011 and was appointed head of former Emir Hamad Al Thani's office and president of the Qatar Administrative Control and Transparency Authority.

Attiya took over the ministry of energy when Qatar was producing around 350,000 barrels per day of oil.

At present, the country pumps over 800,000 bpd and is the world’s largest gas exporter, with supplies of around 77 million tonnes per year.

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