Pakistan, Qatar urge coordinated efforts for regional stability, energy security

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Thursday underscored the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts in the Middle East and enhancing international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, particularly ensuring the maintenance of smooth flow of energy supply chains.

The discussion took place during a meeting between PM Shehbaz and the Qatari amir.

During their meeting held at the Amiri Diwan in Doha that lasted over an hour, both leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East.

At the outset, the amir welcomed the prime minister of Pakistan and his delegation, and expressed his deep appreciation for Pakistan’s pivotal role in supporting efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote diplomatic dialogue in a manner that serves regional security and stability.

For his part, PM Shehbaz renewed his condemnation of the attacks against Qatar and other Gulf countries, while reaffirming Pakistan’s full solidarity and support the leadership and the people of Qatar.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further develop them, especially in the fields of security, defence, and energy, in a manner that strengthens the partnership and opens new avenues for bilateral cooperation.

The meeting was also attended by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi and a number of senior officials.

On the Pakistani side, it was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and other senior officials.

The Qatari amir and PM Shehbaz also held a one on one meeting, during which they exchanged views on current developments of mutual interest and emphasised the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries, particularly in light of ongoing events and their implications for regional security and stability.

Following the meeting, the amir hosted a luncheon in honour of the prime minister and the accompanying delegation.

The prime minister on Wednesday embarked on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, after Washington and Tehran held their highest-level talks in decades in Islamabad last weekend, to bolster efforts to end the regional conflict.

Earlier today, PM Shehbaz shared with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud the recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the US- Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad.

During the meeting, two leaders held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation, and the PM expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia in the wake of the recent regional escalation, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a press release.

“He conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives and said the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Saudi brethren,” the PMO said.