Qatari Defence Minister meets President; discusses prospects

Qatari Defence Minister meets President; discusses prospects
Qatari Defence Minister meets President; discusses prospects

of enhanced defence cooperation with Pakistan DOHA, Oct 23 (APP): Qatari Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah called on President Mamnoon Hussain here on Sunday and discussed the prospects of defence cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar.

During the meeting which was held in a very cordial atmosphere, the two sides discussed in detail the prospects on defence cooperation between the two countries, with the Qatari Minister of State expressing his country’s keenness to purchase defence equipment and hardware from Pakistan.

The President, who is in Doha on a four day official visit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar, said Pakistan attached great importance to its close and cordial relations with Qatar and mentioned that relations between the two were based on mutual respect and shared values.

He expressed satisfaction over the level of defence cooperation between the two countries and desired to further enhance mutual cooperation to take the relationship to newer heights.

The President said the exchange of defence delegations and interaction strengthened the bonds of friendship between the two brotherly countries. He said Pakistan looked forward to have more positive outcome from the scheduled October 27 28 visit of the Qatari Minister of State for Defence to Pakistan.

He informed Dr Khalid bin Mohammad that Pakistan had developed state of the art defence production facilities and could fulfill the growing needs of Qatar, especially in the military equipment and hardware.

He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to further enhance defence collaboration with Qatar, adding, training of Qatari armed forces personnel and deputations from Pakistan armed forces was central to their defence cooperation.

In this regard, the President said Pakistan could share its expertise of Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) by providing specialist military officers to train Qatari armed forces personnel. Both the sides could also explore possibilities of establishing joint industries to meet the requirements of the Qatari armed forces, he added.

The President further said that Pakistan could provide technical assistance to the Qatari Ministry of Defence in establishing their own facilities for manufacturing of arms and ammunition. Pakistan could offer special courses in the fields of Anti Terrorist Training (ATT) and curriculum development for Qatari Armed Forces, he added.

President Mamnoon noted with appreciation the recent deal between the two countries on the sale of Super Mushshak (Trainer Aircraft) by Pakistan to Qatar.

The Qatari Minister of State for Defence lauded the services of Pakistani defence personnel in the Qatri armed forces and said they were doing a great job in serving Qatar. He said Pakistan was very close to his heart. Qatar desired to have enhanced relations with Pakistan with strategic depth.

The Qatari minister said his country was keen to have joint ventures with Pakistan in the area of defence production.

APP Services