President Asif Ali Zardari conducted high-level diplomatic engagements in Doha, Qatar, where he is currently representing Pakistan at the Second World Summit for Social Development.
**Expanding Ties with Qatar**
During a pivotal meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on Wednesday, President Zardari proposed a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of defense and defense production. The Qatari Emir responded enthusiastically to the offer, promising to immediately instruct relevant authorities to initiate discussions with Pakistan on this front.
The Emir also took the opportunity to express his deep satisfaction with the recent defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September. He reportedly viewed the pact as a “welcome and timely step that should have happened earlier.”
**Meeting with Chinese Leadership**
While in the Qatari capital for the November 4–6 Summit, President Zardari also met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
Reflecting on his recent engagements in Beijing, President Zardari emphasized the profound and strategic nature of the Pakistan-China relationship, characterizing the nations as “iron brothers and all-weather strategic cooperative partners.” He thanked Beijing for its consistent and unwavering support through all challenges, underscoring that friendship with China remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The President also commended China’s continued partnership in the successful implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has now transitioned into its second phase focused on high-quality development.
Vice President Han Zheng lauded Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability. He reaffirmed the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China friendship and conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. Han Zheng assured that China would continue to support Pakistan’s economic development under the second phase of CPEC, highlighting key sectors such as transport and infrastructure, information technology, agriculture, and vocational training.
Both leaders concluded the meeting by reaffirming their shared resolve to further deepen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, which is grounded in mutual trust, respect, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity. They also agreed to maintain close cooperation on issues of mutual interest across regional and international forums.
President Zardari was accompanied during the meetings by MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to Qatar.
