Qatar shares warm and cordial relations with Islamic Republic of Pakistan which are based on strong foundations of common faith, culture and common interests. The two-day state visit to Pakistan by the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani which started yesterday, has come in the framework of strengthening and enhancing the bilateral relations in different strategic areas including economic cooperation and boosting investments.
Before H H the Amir’s arrival at Nur Khan Air Base, streets of the capital Islamabad were decorated with boards including pictures of H H the Amir and the President H E Dr Arif Alvi; Prime Minister Imran Khan, and flags of Qatar and Pakistan along welcoming placards in Arabic, Urdu and English. The State-owned TV channel was also running special transmission on H H the Amir’s visit and Pakistan-Qatar ties for long hours.
Upon arrival, H H the Amir and the accompanying delegation at the airport of Nur Khan Air Base, was accorded a red carpet welcome. The artillery fired 21 rounds upon the arrival of H H the Amir, on the occasion of the state visit and JF 17 fighter aircraft gave salutations to honour H H the Amir.
Pakistan places considerable importance th the visit of Amir . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued statement regarding the visit of H H the Amir to Pakistan which the ministry said it is going to “further strengthen the close fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar and deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields”.
“H H the Amir will hold talks with the President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The two sides will discuss ways and means of building a robust and mutually beneficial economic partnership”.
The two leaders witnessed signing of a number of Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and agreements for enhancing bilateral cooperation in different areas, including establishment of “Pakistan and Qatar Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment.
Agreements include MoU for cooperation in the field of tourism and business events, MoU in the field of exchange of financial intelligence related to Money Laundering Associated Predicate Offences and Terrorism Financing.
The visionary leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani which has led to remarkable progress and prosperity of Qatar has made the country gain wide respect in the world and has paved way for cooperation in different fields. This rapid development has made Qatar emerge as one of the top 10 countries in visa openness rankings out of 195 countries, the only one in the GCC countries and first in the MENA region in terms of visa facilitation according to the World Tourism Organization.
Although the relation between Qatar and Pakistan goes to decades back and has common toots, it remains promising and unfold with days its importance due the solid foundations upon which it has been built.
