President Zardari, Emir of Qatar vow to deepen bilateral ties

President Asif Ali Zardari met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha, where both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the historic ties between Pakistan and Qatar.

The Emir of Qatar said that his country takes great pride in Pakistan and its achievements. He lauded the role of the Pakistani community in Qatar, expressing a desire to see their numbers grow further. President Zardari conveyed the good wishes of the government and people of Pakistan to the Emir and praised Qatar’s remarkable progress under his visionary leadership.

During the meeting, the Emir described the recent Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence agreement as a positive and timely step. He noted that Pakistan holds a unique position in the global landscape, maintaining strong relations with China, Western nations, and Gulf countries simultaneously.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark "Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement", declaring that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," according to a Pak-Saudi joint statement.

Read: Pakistan, KSA sign defence pact

The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

"Building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation between the two countries, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed the 'Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement'," the statement read.

It added that the agreement "reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression."

The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both".

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President Zardari proposed expanding cooperation in defence, defence production, agriculture, and food security. The Emir welcomed these suggestions and directed relevant Qatari authorities to initiate immediate contact with their Pakistani counterparts to advance collaboration.

The President also commended Qatar’s role in hosting the Doha talks and its constructive contribution to regional peace, particularly regarding Afghanistan. The Emir expressed optimism that Pakistan and Afghanistan would overcome current challenges and move toward mutual understanding.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Emir accepted President Zardari’s invitation to visit Pakistan and announced that he would undertake the visit early next year. PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar were also present during the meeting.