Pakistan and Qatar Aim to Boost Defence, Economic, and Cultural Cooperation
President Asif Ali Zardari met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on Wednesday and called for expanding Pakistan-Qatar collaboration in defence and defence production. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 2nd World Summit for Social Development in Doha, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including political, economic, and cultural ties.
According to a statement from the President’s Secretariat, President Zardari proposed enhancing cooperation in agriculture and food security. He emphasized that Pakistan and Qatar should deepen their partnership to meet mutual strategic and developmental goals.
The Qatari Emir welcomed the proposal and directed relevant authorities to initiate immediate discussions with Pakistan. He expressed pride in Pakistan’s achievements and praised the contribution of the Pakistani community to Qatar’s growth. The Emir also expressed a desire to increase the number of Pakistani professionals working in Qatar in the coming years.
President Zardari conveyed warm greetings from the government and people of Pakistan. He lauded Qatar’s visionary leadership and rapid progress under the Emir’s guidance. Both leaders reaffirmed the historic, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar, built on faith, trust, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity within the Muslim world.
Qatari Emir Accepts Invitation to Visit Pakistan Early Next Year
The Pakistani president praised Qatar’s global role in promoting dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy, particularly its efforts for a ceasefire and relief operations in Gaza. Reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity, Zardari reaffirmed Islamabad’s strong diplomatic support for Qatar at international platforms.
During the meeting, the Qatari Emir appreciated the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement and highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position, maintaining ties with China, the West, and the Gulf states. He also commended Pakistan’s efforts in regional stability and cooperation.
President Zardari welcomed Qatar’s growing investments in Pakistan and appreciated Doha’s role in hosting the UN-led Doha Process meetings on Afghanistan. The Emir expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would soon overcome their current challenges.
President Zardari invited the Emir to visit Pakistan, an invitation graciously accepted. The visit is expected to take place early next year, marking a new chapter in Pakistan-Qatar relations.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar attended the meeting. Later, President Zardari also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, reaffirming Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China.
