Doha expresses interest in buying Mushshak, JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan

Dr Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah calls on PM Nawaz, army chief

Qatari Defence Minister called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday and expressed interest in buying Mushshak and JF-17 Thunder aircraft to strengthen bilateral defence ties.

"We are desirous of buying Super Mushshak and JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan and also want to set up military cooperation and production of equipment in Qatar with the assistance of Pakistan and Turkey," a PM House statement quoted Dr Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah as saying.

Dr Attiyah extended condolences, on his behalf and on behalf of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani the Emir of the State of Qatar, on the loss of precious human lives in the terrorist attack on police training centre in Quetta.



He said the terrorist attack was most condemnable and the government and people of Qatar stand by their Pakistani brethren in this hour of grief and sorrow.

"With the assistance and cooperation of Pakistan, we want to improve our military hardware to be prepared for the uncertain threat of terrorism; prevailing in the region," the minister added. He further said that Qatar would be establishing training academy for countering the unconventional enemy of terrorism and would be seeking the services and expertise of Pakistani instructors to impart training courses there.

The PM thanked the minister for his condolence, saying the terrorist attack resulted into the loss of innocent lives. The premier said Pakistan and Qatar enjoy strong brotherly relationship which will be further strengthened into sustained economic cooperation for the benefit of both.



He went on to say that Pakistan, Qatar and Turkey can set up joint ventures for undertaking defence related manufacturing of military equipment. "Our relationship with Qatar means a lot to us and you can count on Pakistan as your closest ally and brotherly state," he remarked.

"The trade volume between Qatar and Pakistan will multiply, especially after the import of LNG from Qatar," the PM added.

The premier also extended his heartfelt condolences to the defence minister on the sad demise of the grandfather of Emir of Qatar.

Meeting with Army chief

Defence minister of Qatar Dr Khalid Bin Muhammad Al Attiyah called on Army chief General Raheel Sharif at the GHQ and discussed matters of mutual interest including defence and security cooperation, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s successes in fight against terrorism and efforts for regional peace and stability, the statement added.

Earlier upon arrival at GHQ, the Defence Minister laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented guard of honour to the dignitary.