ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha on Wednesday, where both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting stability in the region, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The statement said the Qatar emir “warmly welcomed President Zardari” and expressed pride in Pakistan’s progress, acknowledging what he described as the “valuable contribution” of the Pakistani community to Qatar’s development.
He also expressed a desire to increase the number of Pakistani professionals working in Qatar in the coming years.
President Zardari conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Pakistan and praised Qatar’s “remarkable progress and visionary leadership” under the emir.
Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation across political, economic, defense, and cultural sectors.
President Zardari proposed deeper collaboration in defense production, agriculture, and food security, a proposal the emir welcomed, directing officials to begin discussions immediately, the statement added.
Zardari also recalled Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic support for Qatar’s sovereignty at international forums and lauded Qatar’s humanitarian efforts for Gaza. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “continued solidarity” with Qatar.
According to the statement, the Amir expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s recent defense cooperation developments with other Gulf partners and noted Pakistan’s “strategic importance” due to its balanced relations with China, the West, and regional states.
The president also encouraged greater Qatari investment in Pakistan, expressing confidence that bilateral economic engagement would grow under the Amir’s leadership.
Zardari further appreciated Qatar’s role in the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, describing it as instrumental in facilitating humanitarian, development, and security coordination.
The emir expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would “overcome current challenges and move toward stability.”
The meeting concluded with President Zardari extending an invitation to the emir to visit Pakistan.
“The emir accepted the invitation and informed the President that he would visit Pakistan early next year,” the statement said.
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