Doha (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met on Wednesday to explore fresh avenues for enhancing cooperation between the two nations in political, economic, and cultural domains.
In the meeting, President Zardari offered expanding collaboration between Pakistan and Qatar in the areas of defence and defence production.
The Qatari leader welcomed the suggestion and assured that his administration would direct the relevant authorities to begin talks with Pakistan without delay. The president also put forward a proposal to strengthen joint efforts in agriculture and food security.
Expressing his sentiments, the Emir remarked that Qatar held Pakistan and its achievements in high regard, recognizing the significant contribution of the Pakistani community to Qatar’s growth.
He added that he looked forward to a substantial increase in the number of Pakistani nationals working in Qatar in the coming years.
President Zardari extended warm greetings and good wishes from the people and government of Pakistan, praising Qatar’s extraordinary development and visionary leadership under Sheikh Tamim.
The two dignitaries reaffirmed their deep-rooted fraternal ties, bound by faith, mutual confidence, and shared hopes for peace, prosperity, and progress within the Muslim world.
The president commended Qatar’s emerging global role as a center for dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy and lauded its leadership for championing a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
Reiterating Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity, President Zardari recalled his country’s consistent condemnation of Israeli aggression against Qatar and its diplomatic backing for Qatar’s sovereignty on international platforms.
The Emir, in turn, expressed satisfaction over the recently signed Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence pact, describing it as an important and timely initiative that should have been undertaken earlier.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s distinct status as a nation maintaining balanced relations with China, Western countries, and the Gulf region simultaneously.
President Zardari welcomed Qatar’s growing investment footprint in Pakistan and voiced confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand under his leadership.
He also praised the humanitarian and educational contributions of Qatari institutions such as the Qatar Fund for Development and the Education Above All Foundation.
In particular, President Zardari paid homage to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani for their remarkable work in advancing education and promoting cultural exchange.
The president appreciated Qatar’s efforts in organizing and hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, acknowledging the importance of the meetings held in May 2023 and February 2024 for fostering international coordination on humanitarian, developmental, and security matters.
The Emir of Qatar expressed optimism that Pakistan and Afghanistan would soon overcome their current challenges and strengthen mutual understanding.
Concluding the meeting, President Zardari invited Sheikh Tamim to visit Pakistan, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Doha for regional harmony, economic growth, and shared prosperity.
The Emir graciously accepted the invitation and confirmed his plan to visit Pakistan early next year.
The meeting was also attended by Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar.