Premier, Qatari Emir explore avenues to boost trade ties

Doha: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets with Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on 31 October 2024. –Agencies

———- Premier discusses matters of mutual interests in high-level talks with top Qatari leadership during official trip
———- Lauds Doha’s stance on Palestinian issue
———- Praises Qatar’s contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth
———- Thanks Qatari PM for hosting large number of Pakistani diaspora

By Asghar Ali Mubarak

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to boost bilateral ties with Qatar as he met the Gulf country’s top leadership during his two-day official visit.
PM Shehbaz held delegation-level talks with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, fol-lowed by a one-on-one meeting to discuss a wide array of bilateral interests in Doha on Thursday, ac-cording to Radio Pakistan.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic ties, underscoring the im-portance of shared economic goals and regional stability.
They also reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Qatar relations, exploring potential avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, potential areas of investment, energy and culture.
PM Shehbaz commended Qatar’s stance on the Palestinian issue expressed by its emir during the 79th UNGA held on the 24th of last month.
He appreciated mediation efforts by Qatar for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded supply of hu-manitarian aid, Radio Pakistan reported.
The premier also invited the Qatari emir to visit Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz also held an extensive and productive meeting with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mo-hammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during his visit.
The two leaders discussed avenues to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchange.
PM Shehbaz acknowledged Qatar’s contributions to Pakistan’s economic growth and expressed his gratitude for Doha’s continued support in various sectors.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening economic ties and emphasised the potential for expanded collaboration.
He also thanked his Qatari counterpart for hosting a large number of Pakistani diaspora who act as a human bridge between the two brotherly countries.
The leaders discussed global and regional issues, underscoring the need for peaceful solutions and mutual cooperation to address challenges.
The Qatari premier highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance in the region and expressed his enthu-siasm for strengthening ties with Islamabad in line with Doha’s vision for economic growth and regional stability.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of continuing high-level exchanges to promote understanding, foster cooperation, and identify new areas for growth.
The Qatari PM showed his resolve to work with Pakistan for peace in the region including Afghanistan. Additionally, PM Shehbaz extended an invitation to Qatari investors to explore Pakistan’s diverse eco-nomic sectors, including agriculture, information technology, and tourism.
He outlined the Pakistani government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for foreign investors and discussed potential incentives to facilitate their entry into the Pakistani market.
The premier expressed his deep appreciation to the Qatari emir and prime minister for the warm hos-pitality extended to him and his delegation.
He emphasised that this visit would further solidify the strong bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar, bringing mutual benefit to both nations.