Pakistan, Qatar sign three MoUs on bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of trade, investment, tourism and financial intelligence on Saturday.

Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and Qatari Finance Minister Ali Shareef Al Emadi signed the MoU for the establishment of Pakistan-Qatar joint working group on trade and investment.

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Fahmida Mirza and Secretary General of Qatar National Tourism Council Akbar Al Baker signed the MoU on cooperation in the fields of tourism and business events.

The third MoU relates to cooperation in the field of exchange of financial intelligence, anti-money laundering and to check terror financing.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing ceremony.

The consensus to this effect was reached at the delegation level talks and a one-on-one meeting between PM Imran and Sheikh Al Thani, who arrived earlier in the day on a two-day official visit.

Both sides agreed to expand collaboration in the fields of agriculture and food, enhance cooperation in the energy sector including LNG and LPG fields and exploration and production of oil and gas.

The agreement was also reached to promote Qatar’s investments in energy, tourism and hospitality industries and increase the number of Pakistani workers employed in Qatar.

Both the countries agreed to expand cooperation in the fields of aviation, maritime affairs, higher education, and defence and defence production.

Pakistan and Qatar also agreed to take steps to significantly increase bilateral trade, expand collaboration in agriculture and food sectors.

It was also agreed to promote Qatar's investments in energy, tourism and hospitality industries. Pakistan and Qatar agreed to increase the number of Pakistani workers employed in Qatar. 

Moreover, the talks between the sides decided that the respective ministers would hold further follow-up talks on the areas to give concrete shape to the proposals agreed between the leaders.

The two leaders reaffirmed the closeness of Pakistan-Qatar fraternal ties and reiterated the resolve to forge a robust political and economic partnership.

Later in the day, the prime minister who was leading the Pakistani delegation hosted a banquet dinner in the honour of the Qatari Emir and his delegation.

President Ari Alvi will meet the Emir of Qatar today in Islamabad.

The visit of the Emir will further cement the relations between the two countries and give a significant boost to bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

Earlier, Sheikh Al Thani was accorded a red carpet reception with PM Imran personally receiving him at the Nur Khan Airbase.

The distinguished guest was given a 21-gun salute, while two children presented bouquets to him.