Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, met with Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council of Qatar, Dr Hamda Bint Hassan AlSulaiti, on Tuesday during his visit to Morocco.
According to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat here on Wednesday, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing parliamentary cooperation, and promoting peace and development in the Middle East.
The two dignitaries discussed a range of issues including investment, trade, cultural exchange, and institutional engagement between Pakistan and Qatar.
The Chairman Senate emphasized that Pakistan attaches great significance to its longstanding and cordial relations with Qatar, which are based on shared religious, cultural, and historical values.
Recalling the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Qatar in 2024 and the expected upcoming visit of the Amir of Qatar to Pakistan, Gilani said these highlevel exchanges are key to deepening cooperation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing political, economic, and cultural ties with Qatar, and described the country as a ‘trusted friend and key partner’ in the region.
Gilani praised Qatar’s support for cultural initiatives in Pakistan, including the ‘Manzar’ art exhibition organized by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad AlThani.
He also acknowledged the role of Qatari institutions such as Qatar Charity, the Qatar Fund for Development, and Education Above All in fostering close bilateral ties.
On the economic front, Gilani pointed to significant progress, including a 134.5% rise in Pakistan’s IT exports to Qatar, reaching $9.37 million in 2024. He lauded the establishment of direct shipping lines between Karachi and Hamad Port as a major step in enhancing trade.
He also welcomed the recent engagement between Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), suggesting further cooperation in IT, pharmaceuticals, shipping, and construction.
Gilani proposed the signing of new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and the convening of meetings of all institutional mechanisms-including the Joint Ministerial Commission and trade working groups-ahead of the Amir’s visit.
He highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to provide skilled manpower for Qatar’s development needs and proposed new Qatar Visa Centers in Lahore and Peshawar to streamline labor mobility.
In her remarks, Dr Hamda AlSulaiti reaffirmed Qatar’s deeprooted ties with Pakistan, calling it an important country in the Muslim world.
She praised the Pakistani diaspora’s contributions to Qatar’s growth and recognized Pakistan’s active role in regional peace and the fight against terrorism. She also reiterated Qatar’s commitment to expanding parliamentary exchanges and continuing its mediation efforts in the Middle East.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing strong interest in deepening cooperation at all levels, particularly in promoting peace, development, and unity across the Muslim world.