Royal visit: PM Nawaz seeks Qatari investment

PM, Qatar emir agree to increase diplomatic visits to promote bilateral relations

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed keen interest in enhancing cooperation with Qatar in all fields, especially energy, trade, investment, defence and manpower.

“Pakistan holds Qatar in high esteem and wishes to enhance cooperation in all sectors,” he said while talking to the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad alThani, at the Prime Minister House on Monday. The prime minister believed the current bilateral trade of less than $300 million per annum was much below its potential, and invited Qatari businesses to invest in Pakistan.

He also lauded the personal contribution of the emir in transforming Qatar into one of the most attractive destinations of the world. “Qatar’s progress is remarkable, enviable and a matter of pride for us as a brotherly country,” he said, adding that Islamabad and Doha enjoyed close and brotherly relations.

Premier Nawaz said Qatar was home to more than 100,000 Pakistani expats, whose remittances were making a valuable contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. “Pakistan will appreciate if our manpower in Qatar is substantially enhanced,” he suggested.

Keeping in view the various development projects related to the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Qatari side reciprocated the interest in enhancing the number of Pakistanis working in the country. Both sides also agreed to take steps to enhance trade and strengthen cooperation in the fields of defence and manpower.

Stressing the importance of Pakistan not only for Qatar but the entire region, Sheikh Tamim believed his visit would open many doors for strengthening bilateral cooperation. He also assured the Pakistani delegation that Qatar would look into the investment opportunities available in Pakistan.

Both the sides agreed to increase diplomatic visits to promote bilateral relations and for following the decisions taken by the two leaders.

A number of agreements were signed by the representatives of both countries in the fields of culture, youth and sports, higher education and scientific research.

Earlier, Premier Sharif had received the emir and members of his delegation at the Nur Khan airbase, where the visitors were accorded a warm welcome, highlighted by a 21-gun salute and guard of honour. Sheikh Tamim is on his first official visit to Pakistan. He had earlier visited in 2010, when he was the crown prince of Qatar.

Emir meets the president

At the President House, Sheikh Tamim extended an invitation to President Mamnoon Hussain to visit Qatar at his earliest convenience, according to a press release. Welcoming the dignitary, the president emphasised the emir’s visit would go a long way in further cementing bilateral ties between Pakistan and Qatar.

“Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Qatar and wishes to enhance cooperation in all mutually beneficial areas,” he said. “Brotherly relations between the two countries provide excellent foundation for consolidating bilateral partnerships in diverse fields.”

Underlining that trade between the two countries required attention, President Mamnoon expressed the hope that Qatar would co-finance the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project and would support the early conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

He also congratulated the Qatar emir on getting to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.


Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2015.