DOHA (MNN); Pakistan and Qatar on Tuesday reviewed the evolving regional situation, with particular focus on Iran and Afghanistan, and underscored the importance of dialogue and de-escalation to prevent potential conflicts.
The discussion took place during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifās official visit to Qatar, where he met Qatarās Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani.
According to a press release issued by the Prime Ministerās Office, both sides exchanged views on regional developments and emphasised collective efforts to promote peace and stability. The statement noted that the meeting demonstrated the shared determination of Pakistan and Qatar to elevate their strategic partnership across areas of mutual interest.
The leaders discussed defence and security cooperation, reaffirming the longstanding and historic ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of Pakistan and Qatar and reiterated Islamabadās commitment to further expanding defence cooperation.
The Qatari deputy prime minister praised the professionalism and expertise of the Pakistan armed forces and conveyed Dohaās interest in deepening defence ties.
In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz met Qatarās Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, who also chairs the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce. During the meeting, the prime minister stressed the need to increase bilateral trade volumes and diversify Pakistanās exports to Qatar, particularly in agricultural produce, food items and value-added products.
The two sides reviewed trade and economic cooperation and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relations. They also discussed follow-up measures regarding the sixth session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing agreed decisions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted Pakistanās investment-friendly reforms and pointed to the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in attracting and facilitating foreign investment.
The Qatari minister expressed interest in broadening economic cooperation and strengthening private-sector and business-to-business linkages. Both sides agreed to convene a meeting of the Pak-Qatar Joint Business Taskforce during the month of Ramazan to deliberate on concrete investment proposals for Qatari investment in Pakistan.
Also present at the meetings were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
Separately, a delegation of the Qatar Businessmen Association, led by its chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz. The premier appreciated the associationās role in strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two countries and assured the delegation that Pakistan places high importance on private-sector-led engagement.
He invited Qatari business leaders to explore investment opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, energy, agriculture, technology and export-oriented manufacturing sectors in Pakistan.
The chairman of the association expressed keen interest in enhancing business cooperation and exploring investment prospects in Pakistan. Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement, including during the upcoming visit of the Pak-Qatar investment taskforce to Doha later this month and through business forums aimed at translating discussions into tangible economic partnerships.
Earlier, the Foreign Office had stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which will encompass political engagement, economic collaboration, energy partnership and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides are expected to explore new avenues of cooperation in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure development and manpower export.
Upon his arrival at Hamad International Airport, Prime Minister Shehbaz was received by Qatarās Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Pakistanās Ambassador to Qatar Muhammad Aamer and other senior officials. He is accompanied by Ishaq Dar, Attaullah Tarar and Tariq Fatemi as part of the official delegation.
