DOHA: President Asif Ali Zardari met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha on Wednesday, offering to enhance bilateral cooperation in defence and defence production between Pakistan and Qatar.
According to the Presidency’s statement, the Qatari Emir welcomed the proposal and directed relevant authorities to begin discussions with Pakistan immediately.
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.
The Qatari leader expressed satisfaction over the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement, calling it a “welcome and timely step.” He also highlighted Pakistan’s unique role as a nation maintaining strategic relations with China, the West, and Gulf states simultaneously.
The landmark defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, signed in September by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ensures mutual defence against any external aggression.
The agreement came amid rising regional instability, following Israel’s attack on Qatar and the recent India-Pakistan border conflict in May.
During the meeting, Sheikh Tamim expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would peacefully resolve their ongoing border tensions. Qatar, alongside Türkiye, is mediating talks between the two neighbours, with another round set to begin in Ankara on November 6.
President Zardari thanked Qatar for its diplomatic role and praised its global leadership in promoting peace and humanitarian dialogue, especially its advocacy for Gaza. He also invited the Emir to visit Pakistan early next year to deepen bilateral ties and cooperation in areas such as agriculture, food security, investment, and education.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen political, economic, and cultural cooperation, underscoring their historic brotherly relations founded on faith, mutual trust, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity in the Muslim world. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also attended the meeting.
Separately, President Zardari met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and for promoting regional stability. Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s “iron brotherhood” with China and thanked Beijing for its continued partnership under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has entered its second phase of high-quality development. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, IT, agriculture, and vocational training.
President Zardari was accompanied by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar.
