Islamabad, Pakistan: The visit of Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Islamabad wrote a new history of Pakistan-Qatar bilateral relations as both the countries signed Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Pakistan and Qatar Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment.
The Prime Minister and HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks. The talks were marked by exceptional warmth and cordiality. All aspects of bilateral relations came under review. The two leaders reaffirmed the closeness of Pakistan-Qatar fraternal ties and reiterated the resolve to forge a robust political and economic partnership.
Among other things, it was agreed to take steps to significantly increase bilateral trade; expand collaboration in the agriculture and food sectors; enhance cooperation in the energy sector including in the LNG and LPG fields and exploration and production of oil and gas; promote Qatar’s investments in energy, tourism and hospitality industries; increase the number of Pakistani workers employed in Qatar; expand cooperation in the fields of aviation, maritime affairs, higher education, and defence and defence production. It was decided that the respective Ministers would hold further follow-up talks on the areas to give concrete shape to the proposals agreed between the leaders.
The two sides also exchanged views on the regional situation and efforts to facilitate the Afghan peace process.
Following the official talks, Pakistan and Qatar signed the following MoUs:
•    Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Pakistan and Qatar Joint Working Group (JWG) on Trade and Investment;
•   Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in the fields of Tourism and Business Events between Government of State of Qatar and Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan; and
•  Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Exchange of Financial Intelligence related to Money Laundering, Associated Predicate Offences and Terrorism Financing between Financial Information Unit of State of Qatar and the Financial Monitoring Unit, in the Government of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister hosted a Banquet Dinner in honour of His Highness the Amir and his entourage. In a special gesture, His Highness the Amir presented the Qatar National football team jersey to the Prime Minister and received a cricket bat signed by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
His Highness the Amir will have a meeting with the President of Pakistan today. The visit of HH the Amir will further cement the close brotherly relations between Pakistan and Qatar and give a significant boost to bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
It may be mentioned that on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, arrived in Islamabad on a two-day State Visit to Pakistan. He is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising key Ministers and Senior Officials
His Highness the Amir was received by the Prime Minister on arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, where he was given a 21-gun salute. This was followed by a formal Welcoming Ceremony at the Prime Minister House, where the visiting dignitary was given a tri-services guard of honour. He also witnessed fly past of JF-17 Thunder. The visiting dignitary also planted a tree at the Prime Minister House.
