COAS discusses defence cooperation, security with Qatar leadership

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif Monday met with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Naseer Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and discussed regional security and bilateral defence cooperation among other matters of mutual interest.

The Army Chief, who is on a day-long official visit to Doha, also held separate meetings with Minister of Defence affairs Dr Khalid Bin Muhammad Al-Attiya and Commander Qatari Emiri Land Force (QELF), Maj Gen Muhammad Bin Ali Al-Ghanim.

During the meetings with the Emir and the PM, matters related to regional security and enhanced bilateral defence cooperation came under discussion, said a statement issued here by the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR).

Facilitation of reconciliation process in Afghanistan through Qatar office was discussed in detail, it added.

Qatari leadership reiterated that Pakistan and Qatar share brotherly relations which over a period of time are transforming into strategic and mutually beneficial ties.

Expressing their satisfaction at the level of defence relations between armed forces of the two countries, both sides underscored the importance of further enhancing the cooperation.

The leadership of Qatar acknowledged Pakistan’s role in bringing about regional stability and appreciated Pakistan Army’s efforts in countering terrorism and bringing peace in the region.