Pakistan and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in defence and security.

The development came during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha.

President Zardari highlighted the historic and close ties between Pakistan and Qatar, expressing satisfaction over existing collaboration between their armed forces in training, capacity building and defence production.

He stressed the need to expand cooperation in joint exercises, defence technology and exchange of expertise to promote regional peace and stability.

The Qatari deputy prime minister praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to deepen defence ties.

The Qatari deputy prime minister commended the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepen defence relations with Pakistan.

He said Qatar was ready to advance joint defence production and explore new areas of partnership.

Sheikh Saoud also assured Qatar’s support for facilitating peace and stability in the Afghan conflict.