Pakistan, Qatar Stress Vitality Of Synergy To Overcome Hurdles In Regional Development

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2018 ) :The leadership of Pakistan and Qatar Sunday while expressing satisfaction on the upwards trajectory of bilateral relations, stressed the importance of synergy to overcome common hurdles and devise a consensus-based approach to achieve wider regional development and progress.

The understanding to this effect reached during the interaction between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Qatari leadership during the former's day long visit to Doha, a Foreign Office statement said.

During the visit, the foreign minister called on Deputy Amir of Qatar Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani and also held a detailed meeting with his Qatari counterpart and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani.

Both sides expressed satisfaction on the upwards trajectory of bilateral relations symbolized by exchange of recent high-level visits, starting with the visit of Foreign Minister of Qatar to Islamabad in October this year. This was followed by return visits to Doha by Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior in October, Minister of Finance on December14-15, Chief of the Army Staff on December 17-18 to attend the Qatar National Day Parade, and the Foreign Minister's visit on the day.

Foreign Minister Qureshi highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to strengthen relations with most important regional countries and neighbours of Pakistan, including Qatar.

Both sides agreed that such synergy was necessary to overcome common hurdles and devise a consensus-based approach to achieve wider regional development and progress. As part of high-level engagements in this spirit, Prime Minister Imran Khan is now due to visit Doha on mutually agreed dates in January 2019.

The foreign minister also briefed the Qatari leadership on recent developments concerning peace in Afghanistan. He underlined the foresightedness of Amir of Qatar in providing an early foundation for peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.

He added that close and regular coordination between Pakistan and Qatar in that regard would assist the ongoing efforts to achieve a broader regional understanding for long term stability in Afghanistan and the region.

The foreign minister assured the leadership of Qatar of Pakistan's commitment to further solidify bilateral political, economic and defence relations.

He expressed satisfaction for opening of Qatar visa centers in Pakistan as it would fast track recruitment process for import of 100,000 Pakistani workers by Qatar.

He offered services of professional Pakistani workforce for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Qatar is already home to 140,000 Pakistani diaspora, which provides a strong bond in the bilateral brotherly relations.

It was agreed to further speed up progress in economic, trade and investment sectors.

It was noted that an increase in Pakistan's exports to Qatar by 70.53%, mainly due to exports of food items, during the last financial year was a highly encouraging achievement. The export trend now needed to be replicated in export of non-perishable items as well. Pharmaceuticals, construction, shipping and maritime sectors held the best potential in this regard.

Pakistan also offered considerable investment opportunities for Qatari companies in Special Economic Zones under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and for joint ventures.

It was agreed that avenues to fully explore the potentials would be explored during the upcoming JMC and Bilateral Political Consultations in first quarter of 2019 in Doha.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani thanked the foreign minister for his visit to Qatar and conveyed his best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

He reiterated the desire of Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to strengthen relations with Pakistan in all areas, particularly to achieve regional peace and stability as well as to promote bilateral economic and cultural cooperation.

He reiterated that Qatar's commitment of brotherhood with Pakistan was beyond doubt and the relationship could only move from strength to strength. Qatar looked forward to the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan that would add a fresh chapter in the bilateral ties, he added.