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.