Islamabad: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif held an official discussion about bilateral cooperation and means of enhancing and developing them. The session was attended by the official delegation accompanying the Emir.
The Emir and the Pakistani Prime Minister witnessed the singing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding that included cooperation agreements in the field of culture, youth and sports.
The Emir also witnessed the signing of the first executive programme for cooperation in the fields of education, higher education and scientific research of the cultural, scientific, technical, educational and information agreement between the two governments.
Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan held Qatar in very high esteem and wished to enhance cooperation in all fields, particularly energy, trade, investment, defence and manpower.
Prime Minister said Pakistan and Qatar enjoyed close and brotherly relations.
He lauded the personal contribution of the Emir in transforming Qatar into one of the most attractive destinations of the world. Qatar’s progress is remarkable, enviable and a matter of pride for us as a brotherly country, he said. “I was waiting for your highness’ visit to Pakistan, like a brother waits for a brother,” he said. He said Pakistan invited Qatari investment in Pakistan in all areas, adding that our bilateral trade of less than $300m per annum is much below its potential.
The Prime Minister said that Qatar was home to more than 100,000 Pakistanis whose remittances were making a valuable contribution to the socio-economic development of Pakistan. Pakistan would appreciate if Pakistani manpower in Qatar was substantially enhanced, he said.
Earlier the Emir met with President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad. The meeting reviewed bilateral relations and means of developing them in various fields specially areas of future cooperation and joint projects.
Emir also met separately with Pakistan army Chief of General Staff Rashid Mahmood, Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
The Emir also attended a dinner banquet hosted in his honour and the accompanying delegation by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Headquarters of the Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received the Emir and members of his delegation at a military airbase. Minister of Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Minister of Information Pervez Rasheed Ministers, services chiefs and top officials were present at the airbase. The Emir was given a 21-gun salute on his arrival. A contingent of Pakistani forces presented guard of honour to the Emir. It is Sheikh Tamim’s first official visit to Pakistan as the Emir as part of his regional visit. He will also travel to several other regional countries.
Agencies
