DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Shaird and Emir of Qatar on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic bilateral ties, underscoring the importance of shared economic goals and regional stability.
The bilateral relations were discussed in the delegation-level talks between PM Shehbaz Sharif and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, followed by a one-on-one meeting encompassing a wide array of bilateral interests, according to a PM Office press release.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also invited the Emir of Qatar to visit Pakistan, the press release read.
The leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Qatar relations, exploring potential avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, and potential areas of investment, energy, and culture.
Both the leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest particularly the ongoing genocidal war by Israel against innocent Palestinian people and escalation of tensions in the region.
Had a highly productive meeting with HH @TamimBinHamad, Amir of Qatar. Grateful to HH the Amir as well as the Government and people of Qatar for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. We reaffirmed the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Qatar,… pic.twitter.com/fZEpegJRXR
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 31, 2024
Prime Minister Shehbaz, who is on a two-day official visit here, commended Qatar’s stance on the Palestinian issue expressed by the Amir during the 79th UNGA held on 24 September 2024.
He appreciated mediation efforts by Qatar for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded supply of humanitarian aid.
Before the meeting with the Amir of Qatar, the premier met his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani wherein they discussed avenues to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchange.
In the “very extensive and productive” meeting, two leaders agreed on the importance of continuing high-level exchanges to promote understanding, foster cooperation, and identify new areas for growth, according to a PM Office statement.
The prime minister “acknowledged Qatar’s contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth and expressed his gratitude for Qatar’s continued support in various sectors.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz “extended an invitation to Qatari investors to explore Pakistan’s diverse economic sectors, including agriculture, information technology, and tourism.”
وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اور قطر کے وزیراعظم شیخ محمد بن عبدالرحمن الثانی کے درمیان آج دوحہ میں ملاقات ہوئی۔
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے مشرق وسطیٰ میں دیرپا امن کے فروغ کے لیے قطر کی اہمیت کو تسلیم کرتے ہوئے مذاکرات کے سہولت کار اور علاقائی تنازعات کے منصفانہ حل کے لیے قطر… pic.twitter.com/IiUcNbPoVw
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 31, 2024
The premier reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening economic ties and emphasized the potential for expanded collaboration.
He also thanked his Qatari counterpart for “hosting a large number of Pakistani diaspora acting as a human bridge between the two brotherly countries.”
The leaders discussed global and regional issues, underscoring the need for peaceful solutions and mutual cooperation to address challenges. Prime Minister Shehbaz also commended Qatar’s principled stance on the Gaza conflict and its persistent efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, the PM Office statement read.
PM praised Qatar’s humanitarian initiatives and diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving the conflict and easing the suffering of the people of Gaza, and also the role as a facilitator of dialogue and an advocate for a just resolution to regional conflicts, recognizing its efforts as vital to promoting lasting peace in the Middle East, the press release said.
The Qatari prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance in the region and expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening ties with Pakistan in line with Qatar’s vision for economic growth and regional stability. “He also showed his resolve to work with Pakistan for peace in the region including Afghanistan.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman outlined the Pakistani government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for foreign investors and discussed potential incentives to facilitate their entry into the Pakistani market.
He emphasized that the visit would further solidify the strong bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar, bringing mutual benefit to both nations.
The prime minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Amir of Qatar and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
Additional information from the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
