Doha, November 5, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha and offered to expand bilateral cooperation in defence and defence production between Pakistan and Qatar, the Presidency said in a statement.
According to the statement, the Qatari emir “responded positively” and assured President Zardari that he would instruct the relevant authorities to begin discussions on the proposal immediately.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, being held in Doha from November 4 to 6. President Zardari is representing Pakistan at the event.
The Qatari leader also expressed satisfaction over the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact, calling it a “welcome and timely step that should have happened earlier.” He highlighted Pakistan’s “unique position as a country maintaining strategic ties with China, the West, and the Gulf states at the same time.”
In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark mutual defence agreement, declaring that any aggression against one would be considered an attack on both. The pact, signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was seen as a reflection of shared regional security concerns.
Touching on regional tensions, Sheikh Tamim expressed “hope that Pakistan and Afghanistan would resolve their current issues and move beyond recent challenges.” Qatar, along with Türkiye, has been mediating talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban following last month’s border clashes. Another round of talks is scheduled to begin in Ankara on Thursday.
The emir also praised Pakistan’s role in regional stability and said “Qatar is proud of Pakistan and its achievements,” adding that his country “deeply values the contribution of the Pakistani community to Qatar’s development” and looks forward to welcoming more Pakistani workers in the coming years.
President Zardari conveyed “warm greetings and best wishes” from the government and people of Pakistan, while commending Qatar’s “remarkable progress and visionary leadership.” He proposed enhanced cooperation in agriculture, food security, and investment, inviting greater Qatari participation in Pakistan’s economy.
He also lauded Qatar’s growing international profile as a “centre of dialogue and humanitarian diplomacy,” and praised its leadership for advocating a ceasefire and humanitarian relief for Gaza. Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar, reiterating Islamabad’s condemnation of “Israel’s aggression against Qatar” and its diplomatic support for the Gulf nation’s sovereignty.
The president commended the contributions of the Qatar Fund for Development and Education Above All Foundation, and paid special tribute to Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani for advancing education and cultural exchange.
He also appreciated Qatar’s role in facilitating the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, acknowledging the Gulf state’s efforts to promote international coordination on humanitarian and security matters.
President Zardari invited Sheikh Tamim to visit Pakistan to further strengthen bilateral ties. The emir reportedly accepted the invitation and said he would visit Pakistan early next year.
Both leaders reaffirmed the “historic and brotherly relations” between Pakistan and Qatar, vowing to deepen cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was also present at the meeting.
Zardari meets Chinese Vice President Han Zheng
Earlier in Doha, President Zardari met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who lauded Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.
During the meeting, President Zardari described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers and all-weather strategic partners,” thanking Beijing for its “unwavering support through all challenges.”
He reaffirmed that friendship with China remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and praised China’s continued partnership in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has entered its second phase of “high-quality development.”
Vice President Han conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and pledged continued support for Pakistan’s economic progress, particularly in transport, infrastructure, IT, agriculture, and vocational training.
Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, agreeing to maintain close coordination at regional and international forums.
President Zardari was accompanied by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar during the meetings.
