ISLAMABAD: Amir of Qatar Shiekh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has evinced keen interest in enhanced collaboration in energy sector and import of food items from Pakistan.
He was talking to President Dr Arif Alvi in Islamabad on Sunday.
The Amir also offered assistance in building Pakistan’s tourism potential through more Qatari investments and technical support in the hospitality industry.
Expressing satisfaction at the pace of recruitment of manpower from Pakistan, the Amir underlined Qatar’s desire to import additional workers and trained security personnel from Pakistan.
Taking note of the progress achieved in Afghan peace talks, the two leaders agreed to continue working closely for regional peace and stability.
Shiekh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani thanked leadership of Pakistan for the gracious invitation and hospitality extended to him and his entourage. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in fight against terrorism.
The President complimented the Amir for his astute leadership, which enabled Qatar to make major strides in energy, tourism, aviation and construction sectors. He admired Qatar’s efforts to promote world sports.
Taking note of 70 percent increase in Pakistan’s exports to Qatar following direct linkage between Karachi and Hamad Ports, the President underlined the importance of increased volume of bilateral trade and enhancing and diversifying Pakistan’s exports to Qatar. He also focused on potential for enhanced Qatari investments in diverse fields and the prospects of further employment of Pakistani workers in Qatar.
=In the regional context, the President lauded Qatar’s role in promoting efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, which is a notable contribution to regional peace.
In a special investiture ceremony, the President conferred upon Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, for his outstanding contribution to the enhancement of Pakistan-Qatar relations.
The ceremony was followed by a banquet lunch hosted by the President of Pakistan in honour of the visiting dignitary and his entourage.
Meanwhile, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was conferred upon Nishan-e-Pakistan, the highest civil award of the country, at an impressive investiture ceremony held at President House in Islamabad on Sunday.
The highest civil award of Pakistan was conferred upon Amir of Qatar in recognition of his efforts for further fostering fraternal ties between the two brotherly countries of Pakistan and Qatar. The ceremony was attended by Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjarani, members of federal cabinet, parliamentarians, members of Qatari delegation and civil and military officials.
Earlier, a delegation-level meeting was held between President Dr. Arif Alvi and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Upon arrival at the President House, the Qatari Emir was accorded a warm welcome where President Dr. Arif Alvi personally received the distinguished guest at the main entrance.
Two children clad in traditional dress presented bouquet of flowers to the distinguished guest. The President also hosted luncheon in the honour of Amir of Qatar and his delegation.
Later Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani departed Pakistan for home on Sunday afternoon. He was seen off by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari.
Prior to his departure at the Nur Khan airbase, the Emir was given a detailed briefing on JF17 thunder jet and Mushshak airplane of Pakistan Airforce.
The Emir inspected the planes and evinced keen interest by asking questions from the crew. Earlier, President Dr. Arif Alvi saw him off at the President House in Islamabad.
Later, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani left for his homeland after the conclusion of his two-day official visit of Pakistan on Sunday.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Overseas Pakistan Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari accompanied the Qatari emir to the Nur Khan Airbase to see him off. He was given a detailed briefing on JF-17 Thunder fighter jets before his departure at the airbase.
The Emir of Qatar had arrived in Islamabad on Saturday evening on a two-day visit along with a high level delegation comprising key ministers and senior officials. – NNI