President seeks boost in defence ties with Qatar

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari, on Wednesday, emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar in joint exercises, defence technology and exchange of expertise, noting that such initiatives would further enhance regional peace and stability.

He underscored the close and historic ties between Pakistan and Qatar, particularly in the field of defence and security cooperation.

The president expressed satisfaction over the existing collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries in training, capacity building and defence production.

The president met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, , on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan's ambassador to Qatar were also present during the meeting.

Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani commended the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to deepening defence relations with Pakistan.

He reiterated Qatar's interest in joint defence production and collaborative defence projects, expressing readiness to expand such initiatives in the future.

He also assured Qatar's support for facilitating peace and stability in the Afghan conflict.

The president appreciated Qatar's continued support and said that Pakistan remained committed to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Qatar in diverse fields, including defence and security.

Vice President of China

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with Vice President of China Han Zheng wherein they reaffirmed their resolve to further deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership based on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.

In the meeting held on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development here, they also agreed to continue close cooperation on issues of mutual interest at regional and international fora.

Recalling his recent visit to China, President Zardari said that Pakistan and China were iron brothers and all-weather strategic cooperative partners.

He thanked China for its consistent and unwavering support to Pakistan through all challenges, reaffirming that friendship with China remained the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy.

The president commended China's continued partnership in the successful implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which had entered its second phase of high-quality development.

Vice President Han Zheng conveyed warm greetings from President Xi Jinping and reaffirmed the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China friendship.

He appreciated Pakistan's efforts in combating terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability.

The Chinese vice president noted that China would continue to support Pakistan's economic development under the second phase of CPEC, particularly in transport and infrastructure, information technology, agriculture, and vocational training.