President Zardari discusses deeper defense cooperation with the Emir of Qatar - Assalamu Alaikum
Assalamu Alaikum - President Asif Ali Zardari met with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha and offered to broaden Pakistan’s defense cooperation and joint defense production with Qatar, Zardari’s office said.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, held Nov. 4–6 under the UN General Assembly, where leaders are talking about social development, decent work and stronger safety nets.
Pakistan has been looking to strengthen defense ties with regional partners, especially after the recent strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia in September, under which an attack on one would be treated as an attack on both.
“The President offered to expand collaboration in defense and defense production, and the emir responded positively, saying he would ask the relevant authorities to begin talks with Pakistan right away,” the president’s secretariat said.
Sheikh Tamim welcomed the Pakistan–Saudi defense pact and called it a timely measure, according to the statement.
They also talked about boosting cooperation in cultural, political and economic areas.
Zardari praised Qatar’s role as a hub for dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy and thanked the emir for his advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity, he recalled Pakistan’s strong condemnation of aggression and its diplomatic support for Qatar’s sovereignty at international forums,” the statement added.
Zardari invited Sheikh Tamim to visit Pakistan to deepen the partnership for regional peace and prosperity; the emir accepted and is reported to plan a visit early next year.
Like other Gulf countries, Pakistan and Qatar maintain warm ties based on economic links, shared values and faith. Qatar hosts many Pakistani workers whose remittances are an important support for Pakistan’s economy.
Wa Alaikum Assalam.
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