President Asif Ali Zardari met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha on Wednesday, offering to expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence and defence production between Pakistan and Qatar. According to an official statement from the Presidency, the Qatari Emir responded positively to the proposal and directed relevant authorities to initiate formal discussions with Pakistan immediately.
The meeting highlighted growing momentum in Pakistan’s defence diplomacy following its recent agreement with Saudi Arabia. The Qatari leader welcomed the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence pact signed in September, describing it as “a welcome and timely step that should have happened earlier,” according to the statement.
The talks were held on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, taking place in Doha from November 4 to 6, where President Zardari is representing Pakistan.
Meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng
Earlier in the day, President Zardari also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, where the two leaders reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan–China ties. Han commended Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability, while Zardari reiterated that China remains Pakistan’s “iron brother” and the cornerstone of its foreign policy.
Zardari also thanked China for its “consistent and unwavering support” through all challenges and acknowledged the continued collaboration on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), now entering its second phase focused on high-quality development.
Han Zheng conveyed President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings and assured that China will continue to support Pakistan’s economic growth under CPEC, particularly in transport, infrastructure, IT, agriculture, and vocational training.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to deepen the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” and maintain close coordination at regional and international forums.
President Zardari was accompanied by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar during the meetings, underscoring the government’s high-level engagement to strengthen Pakistan’s foreign relations and strategic partnerships.
