President Zardari Underscores Strengthening Pakistan–Qatar Defence Cooperation

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

According to a press release issued by the President’s Secretariat Press Wing, the president made these remarks during his meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, held on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha.

First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar were also present at the meeting.

President Zardari underscored the close and historic ties between Pakistan and Qatar, particularly in the domain of defence and security cooperation. He expressed satisfaction over the existing collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries in training, capacity building, and defence production.

Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani commended the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to further deepening defence relations with Pakistan. He reiterated Qatar’s interest in joint defence production and collaborative 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.

President Zardari appreciated Qatar’s continued support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Qatar across diverse fields, particularly in defence and security.