Prime Minister Imran Khan held one-on-one meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Diwan-e-Amiri on Tuesday and discussed bilateral relations as well as the trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the State of Qatar.
Delegation-level talks were also held between the prime minister and emir of Qatar. All issues of bilateral nature, especially the strengthening of economic and trade relations between the two countries, were discussed during the one-on-on and delegation-level talks.
Emir of Qatar hosted a lunch for the prime minister and the members of the delegation. Earlier, an official welcome ceremony in the honour of Prime Minister Imran Khan was held at Diwan-e-Amiri. Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received the prime minister at Diwan-e-Amiri.
Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to expand the volume of bilateral trade.
“Qatari Emir also extended his support for Pakistan in diverse fields,” this was stated in a joint statement released after the conclusion of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s two days visit to Qatar.
Prime minister visited Qatar on invitation of its Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and held one on one meeting with him [Emir] and his Qatari counterpart.
The matter related to bilateral relations and international scenario came under discussion during the high profile meeting in Doha, the joint declaration reads.
Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Ali Thani also congratulated Imran Khan for assuming charge as the prime minister of Pakistan.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Qatar would buy two gas power plants from Pakistan and would build two other power plants in the country, ARY News reported.
Talking to News channal, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Qatar would play key role in the revival of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and would financially support the national flag carrier.
He said that Doha was interested in investment in agriculture sector pertaining to processing field in Pakistan.The foreign minister said that a delegation of Qatari business community would arrive in Pakistan to explore the investment opportunities in the country.
As a goodwill gesture, Qatar had lifted ban on rice import from Pakistan, Qureshi concluded.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan held meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and discussed LNG deal and reviewed the future price of fuel.
The high profile meeting took place at Diwan-e-Amiri Doha Qatar. Sources said, the two sides had agreed over compliance of the LNG agreement but a review of prices could be discussed. The two countries would also discuss the issue of supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Qatar on upto US$ four billion delayed payment, and increase in trade volume, sources said.
Pakistan would put up a suggestion for a quota of 100,000 jobs for Pakistani nationals in upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled in Qatar in 2022.
Meanwhile, chairmen and senior representatives of various Qatari business organizations and groups met Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Tuesday and discussed matters of bilateral and mutual interest.
Those who met the prime minister included Sheikh Faisal Bin Qasim Bin Faisal Al-Thani, Chairman Qatar Business Association, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General Supreme Committee for Legacy and Delivery (FIFA 2022), Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman Qatar Chamber, and Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani of NBK Group.
Representatives of Sikh community in Qatar also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Doha on Tuesday. They thanked the prime minister for the groundbreaking of Kartarpur Corridor which was the longstanding desire of the Sikh community.
Published in Daily Times, January 23rd 2019.
