President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed Pakistan’s interest in expanding defence collaboration with Qatar during a meeting with the Emir of Qatar on Wednesday. The discussion highlighted Pakistan’s focus on strengthening strategic partnerships with Gulf nations and building long-term security cooperation.
According to an official statement from the President’s Secretariat, President Zardari emphasized the need to enhance cooperation not only in traditional defence ties but also in defence production. He noted that Pakistan has significant capabilities in the defence manufacturing sector and sees Qatar as a key partner in further developing regional security arrangements.
The focus keyword defence collaboration remained central to the meeting, reflecting Pakistan’s broader strategy of engaging friendly nations to develop joint approaches in military training, equipment production, and strategic planning. President Zardari stated that cooperation in these areas can help both countries respond more effectively to emerging security challenges in the region.
The Emir of Qatar welcomed Pakistan’s proposal and acknowledged the long-standing friendship between the two countries. Qatar currently hosts a large Pakistani expatriate community, and the two states share cooperation in energy, investment, and security sectors. Strengthening defence collaboration would mark another step toward deepening bilateral trust and strategic alignment.
The meeting also touched on broader economic ties. President Zardari encouraged Qatari investments in energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors in Pakistan. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to improve the business environment and provide new opportunities for foreign partners. He also noted that closer defence production cooperation could support industrial development and job creation within Pakistan.
Regional diplomacy has been active in recent weeks. Pakistan has been engaging multiple allies to boost bilateral relations, trade partnerships, and strategic security cooperation. For instance, recent diplomatic developments with Azerbaijan also highlighted expanding defence and military relationships, showing Pakistan’s growing focus on strategic alliances. A related report discussed how both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir were invited to attend Azerbaijan’s upcoming parade, reflecting evolving defence dynamics across the region.
With Pakistan aiming to stabilize its economy and reinforce regional ties, deepening defence collaboration with Qatar aligns with Islamabad’s broader diplomatic and security objectives. Both sides agreed to continue consultations and work on follow-up measures through their respective departments.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation across multiple fields, especially in defence production, training, and strategic coordination.
