President Asif Ali Zardari and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres.

During the meeting, President Zardari proposed expanding collaboration in defence and defence production, to which the emir of Qatar responded positively, directing his authorities to begin immediate discussions with Pakistan. The president also proposed greater cooperation in agriculture and food security to enhance regional stability.

The emir of Qatar expressed pride in Pakistan’s achievements and acknowledged the valuable contribution of the Pakistani community to Qatar’s development. He said Qatar looks forward to increasing the number of Pakistani workers in the coming years.

President Zardari conveyed greetings and best wishes from the government and people of Pakistan, expressing deep admiration for Qatar’s remarkable progress and visionary leadership under Sheikh Tamim. Both leaders reaffirmed the historic brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar, rooted in faith, mutual trust, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity in the Muslim world.

Defence cooperation, regional solidarity discussed

The president lauded Qatar’s growing global role as a centre of dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy, commending Sheikh Tamim’s leadership in advocating a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for Gaza.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar, President Zardari recalled Islamabad’s consistent condemnation of Israel’s aggression and its diplomatic support for Qatar’s sovereignty in international forums.

In response, the emir of Qatar welcomed the recent Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence agreement, describing it as a timely and necessary step. He also noted Pakistan’s unique position as a country maintaining strong ties with China, the West, and the Gulf states simultaneously.

Investment, humanitarian cooperation, Afghan peace efforts

President Zardari welcomed enhanced Qatari investment in Pakistan, expressing confidence that bilateral collaboration would continue to grow. He appreciated the efforts of the Qatar Fund for Development, Education Above All Foundation, and other Qatari humanitarian initiatives, paying special tribute to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani for their contributions to education and cultural exchange.

The president also thanked Qatar for hosting UN-led Doha process meetings on Afghanistan, which have supported global coordination on humanitarian and security issues. The emir expressed hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would soon resolve their outstanding issues and move forward constructively.

President Zardari invited Sheikh Tamim to visit Pakistan, and the Emir accepted the invitation, confirming he would visit early next year. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar were also present during the meeting.

Zardari, Chinese VP agree to deepen 'iron brotherhood' ties

On the sidelines of the same conference, President Zardari met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, reaffirming Pakistan and China’s status as “iron brothers” and all-weather strategic partners.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation at regional and international forums and reiterated their shared vision for mutual trust, respect, and regional prosperity.

President Zardari thanked China for its unwavering support during difficult times, noting that friendship with China remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He praised China’s collaboration in the successful implementation of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has now entered its second phase of high-quality development.

Vice President Han Zheng conveyed greetings from President Xi Jinping, commending Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and its role in maintaining regional peace. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to continue supporting Pakistan’s development through CPEC’s second phase, with projects focused on transport, infrastructure, information technology, agriculture, and vocational training.