Islamabad - President Mamnoon Hussain has commended the ambassadorial services of Sayar Abdul Rahman J. Al-Mawdah, Ambassador of Qatar in Pakistan, for providing further impetus to Pakistan-Qatar bilateral ties during his four and a half years stay in Pakistan, after the outgoing ambassador paid a farewell call on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.
Discussing Pakistan-Qatar bilateral relations, the president said that Pakistan attached great importance to its close and cordial relations with Qatar and wished to further strengthen cooperation in all fields of mutual interests including trade and defence. The president expressed hope that Qatari Investment Authority (QIA) would invest in different sectors of Pakistani economy by taking advantage of its lucrative business and investor friendly policies.
The president emphasised that both brotherly countries should continue to explore mutual avenues for future cooperation for further enhancing the existing volume of bilateral trade. The president appreciated the support and lobbying of Qatar with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for early conclusion of Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
The president stated that Pakistan was looking forward to co-financing of Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project by Qatar to the tune of $200 million. “This will additionally contribute to the efforts of Government of Pakistan to address energy situation in the country,” he added. The president stated that Pakistan was keen to import LNG from Qatar and expressed confidence that Sale-Purchase Agreement between the two countries would be finalized soon. The president also invited Qatari petroleum and gas companies to invest in Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration and production sectors and tap its potential.
The president said that Pakistan wished to further consolidate its defence cooperation with Qatar and offered to provide military hardware including Super Mushshak (Trainer Aircraft). The president also offered to provide manpower as per the requirements of Qatar for the projects Qatar intended to undertake in its preparation for hosting FIFA 2022 World Cup.
Sayar Abdul Rahman J. Al-Mawdah thanked the president for meeting and for the support he was extended by the Government of Pakistan during his stay as ambassador in Pakistan.
The president wished the outgoing envoy good health, happiness and success in his future life.