Pakistan, Qatar to explore ways to expand ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to deepen cooperation and explore new horizons to strengthen bilateral ties, underscoring the importance of high-level exchanges to enhance mutual understanding, trade and investments.
Bilateral ties were discussed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day official visit to the Gulf state which ended on Friday.
The PM held meetings with Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The two sides discussed opportunities in several fields in Pakistan in the context of previous investment pledges. Key regional and global developments of mutual concern were also discussed, according to a joint statement issued by the PM Office.
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated Qatar’s continuous support for Pakistan in various fields, and highlighted investment opportunities in vital sectors.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with emphasis on investment and trade, alongside discussions on cooperation in other fields.
The Qatari emir stressed the importance of fraternal relations and the two sides’ aspiration to enhance economic partnership, increase trade exchange, and promote investments.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz also discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and explore various avenues of collaboration in areas of economy, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
PM Shehbaz expressed his gratitude for Qatar’s role in supporting economic development in Pakistan, praising the presence of a large Pakistani community in Qatar that acts as a bridge linking the two countries.
The Qatari prime minister stressed the importance of Pakistan as a strategic partner in the region, expressing Qatar’s commitment to deepen bilateral economic ties to serve the common interests of the two countries.
The two sides also discussed regional and global issues, stressing the importance of peaceful solutions and cooperative efforts to address the current challenges.
The premier praised the diplomatic efforts and humanitarian initiatives of Qatar to promote peace in the region, especially its role as a mediator on the Palestine issue and its commitment to supporting efforts to establish stability in the region.
During the tour, PM Shehbaz and the Qatari emir also visited the exhibition “Manzar: Art and Architecture in Pakistan from the 1940s to the Present”.
Business delegation
Before his departure from Doha, PM Shehbaz also met a delegation of the Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) and highlighted opportunities in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure and finance sectors, presenting the country as an attractive destination for investment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets a delegation of Qatar Businessmen Association on Friday, in Doha, Qatar. — PID

The QBA delegation, led by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, comprised leading Qatari business figures each representing influential sectors within Qatar’s economy.
The meeting brought together key representatives from Pakistan and influential members of Qatar’s business community, emphasising shared goals for strengthening trade, investment, and economic partnerships.
Delegates from various companies expressed interest in Pakistan’s economic landscape, particularly in energy, technology and infrastructure development projects.
Both sides explored potential collaborations that could drive job creation, innovation, and sustainable development in both countries.
The QBA members responded positively to the prime minister’s invitation, indicating their interest in expanding their investments in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2024