ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with Qatar and China.
During his separate meetings with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and China’s Vice President Han Zheng, the president discussed expanding cooperation in defence, trade, investment and regional peace.
President Zardari stressed Pakistan’s enduring ties with both Qatar and China, describing them as trusted partners in promoting regional stability and economic progress. He underscored Pakistan’s readiness to enhance collaboration in key sectors including defence production, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and information technology under frameworks such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Qatar’s ongoing investment and development initiatives.
The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, prosperity and closer coordination at regional and international fora, pledging to further strengthen partnerships rooted in mutual respect and long-standing friendship.
In his meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Zardari offered to expand cooperation in defence and defence production between the two countries. The Emir welcomed the proposal and assured that he would instruct the authorities concerned to initiate discussions with Pakistan immediately. Welcoming President Zardari, Sheikh Tamim expressed pride in Pakistan’s achievements and praised the Pakistani community’s vital contribution to Qatar’s development, adding that he wished to see their numbers grow further in the coming years.
The Emir also noted with satisfaction the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement, terming it a timely and positive development, and remarked that Pakistan holds a unique position as a nation maintaining strategic ties with China, the West, and the Gulf states simultaneously. The two leaders discussed avenues for strengthening cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields, with the president proposing enhanced collaboration in agriculture and food security.
The president further acknowledged Qatar’s role in hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, including the rounds held in May 2023 and February 2024, which helped foster international coordination on humanitarian, development, and security issues. The Emir expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would overcome their current challenges and strengthen mutual understanding.
Separately, President Asif Zardari held a meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani. He highlighted the close and historic ties between Pakistan and Qatar, particularly in the fields of defence and security cooperation, expressing satisfaction over the ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries in training, capacity building, and defence production. The president stressed the need to further expand cooperation in joint military exercises, defence technology, and exchange of expertise, noting that such initiatives would strengthen regional peace and stability.
The Qatar’s deputy PM commended the professionalism of the Pakistan armed forces and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening defence relations with Pakistan. He expressed Qatar’s keen interest in joint defence production and collaborative projects, underscoring readiness to expand such initiatives in the future.
First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar were also present during the meetings.
In his bilateral meeting with China’s Vice President Han Zheng in Doha, the two sides reaffirmed their resolve to further deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership founded on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity. Both the leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on issues of mutual interest at regional and international fora.
