President Asif Ali Zardari’s proposal to broaden defence and defence production collaboration with Qatar has received a positive response from Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who has directed relevant authorities to initiate immediate discussions on the matter.

During a meeting in the Qatari capital, the Amir endorsed the Pakistani initiative and also expressed satisfaction with the recent defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing it as a welcome and timely development that should have occurred earlier, according to a report today.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani further noted Pakistan”s distinctive geopolitical standing as a nation that concurrently maintains strategic ties with China, Western nations, and the Gulf states.

In the course of the dialogue, President Zardari also put forward a proposal for enhancing cooperation in the sectors of agriculture and food security.

The two leaders reaffirmed the long-standing and fraternal relations between their nations, which they stated are rooted in shared faith, mutual trust, and common aspirations for the prosperity of the Muslim Ummah.

The Pakistani President commended Qatar’s growing international role as a hub for dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy. He paid tribute to the Amir”s leadership in advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity, recalling the nation”s strong condemnation of Israel’s aggression against Qatar and its consistent diplomatic backing for Qatar’s sovereignty in international forums.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Zardari welcomed increased Qatari investment in Pakistan, expressing confidence that bilateral collaboration between the two countries would continue to expand.