DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari has proposed enhanced cooperation with Qatar in defence, defence production, agriculture and food security.
He floated the idea during a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. The Emir welcomed the proposal and instructed relevant authorities to establish immediate contact.
The Qatari Emir termed the defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a positive and timely development .
During the meeting, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar were also present.
President Zardari conveyed best wishes from the government and people of Pakistan to the Emir and praised Qatar’s progress and Sheikh Tamim’s visionary leadership.
During the meeting, Sheikh Tamim appreciated the role of the Pakistani community in Qatar and expressed a desire to increase their numbers.
He said Qatar takes pride in Pakistan and its achievements. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening historic and brotherly ties.
The Emir of Qatar also noted Pakistan’s unique position as a country maintaining relations simultaneously with China, the West, and Gulf states.
He expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would resolve their existing issues and move past current challenges.
President Zardari lauded Qatar’s role in hosting the Doha talks and its contributions regarding Afghanistan, while also inviting the Emir to visit Pakistan.
Sheikh Tamim accepted the invitation and announced plans to visit Pakistan early next year.
Earlier, President Zardari met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the Second Global Conference on Social Development in Doha.
During the meeting, Zardari said Pakistan and China are “iron brothers” and all-weather strategic partners. He thanked China for its continued support to Pakistan in difficult times and described friendship with China as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The president also appreciated China’s cooperation in the successful implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).