President Zardari Offers to Expand Defence Collaboration to Qatar; Emir Responds Positively

Doha, Nov 6: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday offered to expand Pakistan’s cooperation with Qatar in the fields of defence and defence production during a meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha, the Presidency said in a statement.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, where President Zardari is representing Pakistan. The statement said the Qatari emir “responded positively” and directed the relevant authorities to initiate discussions on the proposal without delay.

During the meeting, Sheikh Tamim expressed satisfaction over the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement, terming it a “welcome and timely step.” He praised Pakistan’s unique position as a country maintaining strategic ties with China, the West and Gulf states.

President Zardari, for his part, proposed enhanced cooperation in agriculture, food security, and investment, while inviting the Qatari leader to visit Pakistan early next year. He lauded Qatar’s role as a “centre of dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy” and thanked the emir for his leadership in advocating a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

The president also commended the Qatar Fund for Development and other Qatari humanitarian initiatives, including those led by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, for promoting education and cultural exchange.

Later, President Zardari met Qatari Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, where both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in training, defence production, and joint military exercises. The Qatari minister praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and reiterated Doha’s interest in joint defence projects.

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Earlier, President Zardari also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, reaffirming Pakistan-China relations as an “iron brotherhood.” The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly in transport, IT, and agriculture.

The meetings were attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar.