Doha (TDI): President Asif Ali Zardari met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in Doha to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
The meeting highlighted the historic relations between the two nations, with both leaders expressing a strong desire to enhance collaboration in political, economic, and cultural fields.
The Amir of Qatar warmly welcomed President Zardari, acknowledging Pakistan’s significant contributions to Qatar’s development, particularly through its community in the country. He expressed Qatar’s pride in Pakistan’s achievements and reiterated the desire to see an increase in the number of Pakistanis contributing to Qatar’s growth in the coming years.
The President conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the Government and people of Pakistan, expressing deep admiration for Qatar’s remarkable progress and visionary leadership under the Amir. The two leaders reaffirmed the historic relations between Pakistan and Qatar, rooted in faith, mutual trust and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and the advancement of the Muslim Ummah.
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The President lauded Qatar’s growing global role as a centre of dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy, and paid tribute to His Highness’s leadership in advocating a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza. Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity, he recalled Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israel’s aggression against Qatar and its continued diplomatic support for Qatar’s sovereignty at international fora.
The Amir expressed satisfaction at the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense agreement and said it was a welcome and timely step that should have happened earlier. He noted that Pakistan holds a unique position as a country maintaining strategic ties with China, the West and the Gulf states at the same time.
Both leaders discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in political, economic and cultural spheres. The President offered to expand collaboration in defense and defense production, to which the Amir responded positively, saying he would instruct the relevant authorities to initiate discussions with Pakistan immediately. The President also proposed enhancing cooperation in agriculture and food security.
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The President welcomed enhanced Qatari investment in Pakistan and expressed confidence that bilateral collaboration would continue to grow under His Highness’s leadership. He also commended the contributions of the Qatar Fund for Development, the Education Above All Foundation, and other Qatari humanitarian initiatives, paying special tribute to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani for advancing education and cultural exchange.
President Zardari appreciated Qatar’s role in hosting and facilitating the UN-led Doha Process meetings on Afghanistan, including the first and second rounds held in May 2023 and February 2024, which have supported international coordination on humanitarian, development and security issues.
The Amir also expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would resolve their current issues and move beyond recent challenges.
The President extended an invitation to the Amir to visit Pakistan, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its partnership with Qatar for regional peace, progress, and shared prosperity. The Amir accepted the invitation and informed the President that he would visit Pakistan early next year.
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar were also present during the meeting.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
