Pakistan, Qatar pledge stronger defense and economic cooperation

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Wednesday expanding defense, economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations, according to Pakistan’s state-run Associated Press of Pakistan news agency.

During the meeting in Doha, Zardari proposed deeper collaboration in defense and defense production. The amir welcomed the suggestion and said he would instruct officials to start talks immediately.

The leaders also explored greater cooperation in agriculture and food security — areas where Pakistan says it can help Gulf states reduce reliance on imports.

Sheikh Tamim praised Pakistan’s achievements and said Qatar highly values the role of more than 200,000 Pakistani workers who contribute to its economy. He said he would like to see more Pakistanis come to Qatar in the future.

Zardari delivered greetings from Pakistan’s government and people and congratulated Qatar for its rapid development and global diplomacy. The two leaders said their countries share long-standing relations built on cultural and religious ties.

Zardari noted Qatar’s growing influence in international mediation, including its calls for a cease-fire in Gaza. He reaffirmed what Pakistan described as its solidarity with Qatar on regional issues. APP report said Pakistan has condemned Israel’s aggression against Qatar and supported Qatar’s sovereignty at the United Nations — claims that could not be independently verified.

Sheikh Tamim expressed satisfaction over a recent defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying it was an important step for regional security. He also said Pakistan occupies a rare position by maintaining close ties with China, Western countries and Gulf states at the same time.

Zardari said Pakistan is eager to attract more Qatari investment to support its economy.

The president also thanked Qatari humanitarian and education initiatives, including the Qatar Fund for Development and the Education Above All Foundation. He acknowledged efforts by prominent Qatari figures Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani.

The discussion also covered Qatar’s role in hosting talks on Afghanistan involving the United Nations and the Taliban. Meetings held in Doha in 2023 and early 2024 aimed to coordinate international support and address security issues.

The amir voiced hope that ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could be resolved through dialogue.

Zardari invited Sheikh Tamim to visit Pakistan. The amir accepted and said he plans to travel there early next year.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar were present during the discussions.

The talks follow a defense pact signed in September between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, each country considers an attack on the other as aggression against itself.

The signing came after rising regional tensions, including clashes between India and Pakistan earlier this year and conflict between Iran and Israel in June.

Qatar is one of two mediators in talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan following border clashes last month. Negotiations have taken place in Doha and Istanbul. The next round is expected to begin Thursday in Ankara.