Islamabad, 7 June 2022 (TDI): Major General (Pilot) Jassim Mohamed Ahmed Al-Mannai, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), paid a visit to Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of the Naval Staff, at Naval Headquarters.

The Chief of the Naval Staff greeted Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force upon his arrival. The dignitaries’ one-on-one encounter covered the issues of mutual interest, such as bilateral partnership and regional security.

The Naval Chief expressed pleasure with Pakistan’s defense ties with the Qatari Emiri Armed Forces.

The visiting dignitary praised and thanked the Pakistan Navy for its efforts and dedication in support of regional maritime security. Both commanders of the armed forces promised to strengthen and broaden the scope of the current bilateral partnership.

Pakistan-Qatar relations: 

Qatar has an embassy in Islamabad and a consulate general in Karachi. While Pakistan has an embassy in Doha.

Pakistan’s generally close ties with the Arab world have molded their relationship.

Like other adjacent Gulf states, Qatar has a sizable Pakistani population of over 50,000 people who work in a variety of sectors.

Defense cooperation:  

With many Pakistanis serving in the Gulf state’s Armed Forces, the two countries share a decade-long defense cooperation agreement inked in 1983, allowing joint training and exercises.

In 2021, Pakistan opened its military institutions for the Qatari Armed Forces for training. Also, Pakistan had emphasized the need for bilateral cooperation between the countries beyond trade, including defense, military exercises, training of personnel, and other joint ventures.

Moreover, in March, Pakistan participated in the Doha International Maritime Defense Exhibition (DIMDEX-22). The Pakistan Navy Flotilla went to Doha with PNS SHAMSHEER, PNS AZMAT, and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Ship KOLACHI.