TRADE & ECONOMY
President Asif Ali Zardari met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha on Wednesday, offering to expand bilateral cooperation in defence and defence production, with the Qatari leader responding positively and instructing his authorities to begin talks immediately, according to a statement from the Presidency.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Doha from November 4 to 6, where President Zardari represented Pakistan.
During their discussion, President Zardari proposed enhanced collaboration in agriculture, food security, and investment, expressing confidence that Pakistan-Qatar ties would continue to strengthen. The Emir welcomed these proposals, expressing satisfaction over the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact, calling it a “welcome and timely step.”
“It should have happened earlier,” Sheikh Tamim noted, praising Pakistan’s “unique position as a country maintaining strategic ties with China, the West, and the Gulf states simultaneously.”
The Emir also expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would soon resolve their border issues, reaffirming Qatar’s mediating role in ongoing talks between the two sides in Doha and Istanbul.
He lauded Pakistan’s contributions to Qatar’s development, appreciating the Pakistani community’s role and expressing a desire to increase their numbers in coming years.
President Zardari, in turn, conveyed warm greetings from Pakistan’s leadership, lauding Qatar’s “visionary progress” and its growing role as a centre of dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy.
He commended Qatar’s efforts in advocating a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Gulf nation amid Israel’s aggression.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the attack on Qatar and continues to stand by Doha at all international forums,” Zardari said.
The president also appreciated the humanitarian work of the Qatar Fund for Development, Education Above All Foundation, and the cultural initiatives of Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, highlighting their contributions to global education and cultural exchange.
He also praised Qatar’s hosting of UN-led Doha Process meetings on Afghanistan, acknowledging its importance for humanitarian and regional stability.
President Zardari invited the Qatari Emir to visit Pakistan early next year, an invitation Sheikh Tamim accepted.
Both leaders reaffirmed the historic brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar, rooted in “faith, mutual trust, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and the advancement of the Muslim Ummah.”
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was also present during the meeting.
Meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng
Earlier in the day, President Zardari also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Doha. Han praised Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability.
Zardari recalled his recent visit to Beijing, describing Pakistan and China as “iron brothers” and reaffirming that friendship with China remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
“China’s continued partnership in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has now entered its second phase of high-quality development,” he said.
Vice President Han Zheng reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s economic growth, particularly under CPEC’s second phase, emphasizing collaboration in transport, IT, agriculture, and vocational training.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and to continue close coordination at regional and international fora.
President Zardari was accompanied by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar during the meetings.
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