ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Qatar on Tuesday, his office said, on a two-day visit dominated by his administration’s efforts to secure crucial funding from the tiny but gas-rich Gulf nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departs for Doha on his two days official visit to Qatar (23rd & 24th August, 2022).#PMVisitsQatar pic.twitter.com/Sw2QkcG5T2
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) August 23, 2022
This is Sharif’s first visit to Qatar since assuming office in April. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members of his cabinet.
During the visit, which comes at the invitation of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, leader of the host nation, Sharif will hold “in-depth consultations” with the host leadership, the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
“Leaving for Qatar today at the invitation of my brother […] Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani [Qatar’s leader]. The visit will renew the bond of brotherhood & friendship between our two countries,” the prime minister tweeted.
اپنے بھائی عزت مآب شیخ تمیم بن حمد آل ثانی کی دعوت پر آج قطر روانہ ہو رہا ہوں۔ اس دورے سے دونوں ممالک کے درمیان دوستی اور بھائی چارے کے تعلق کی تجدید ہوں گی۔ ہم اپنے تاریخی دوطرفہ روابط کو اور بھی زیادہ موثر سٹرٹیجک تعلقات میں تبدیل کرنا چاہتے ہیں۔
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 23, 2022
He said Pakistan wanted to transform its historical relationship with the sheikhdom into a “more robust strategic relationship.”
Sharif said that during his interactions with market and business leaders, he would highlight the “exciting investment opportunities” in various sectors including renewable energy, food security, industrial and infrastructure development, tourism and hospitality.
The two governments will review the “entire spectrum” of ties, with a particular focus on advancing energy-related cooperation, deepening trade and investment ties, and exploring greater employment opportunities for Pakistan nationals in Qatar.
They will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest.
While in Doha, the prime minister will also engage with leading business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs.
He will visit Stadium 974 in Doha, which will host matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. There, he will be briefed on the extensive preparations undertaken by Qatar to host the mega event.
Pakistan and Qatar enjoy close and cordial fraternal ties, deeply rooted in shared faith, mutual trust and understanding, and close cooperation. The relationship is marked by growing collaboration in all fields of bilateral interest as well as close coordination on regional and international issues.
The sheikhdom is home to more than 200,000 people from Pakistan, who are contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two nations.
Regular leadership-level exchanges are a hallmark of the bilateral partnership. The visit will impart a renewed impetus to deepen cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields and further strengthen their growing economic partnership.
