January 30, 2003	Thursday	Ziqa’ad 26,1423

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DOHA, Jan 29: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Wednesday his useful round of talks with Qatari leadership has re-confirmed the shared perception and convergence of views of Pakistan and Qatar on bilateral and international issues.

“It also reinforced our resolve to work together for strengthening Pakistan-Qatar cooperation and for peace and progress in our regions,” the prime minister said at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Qatar.

The prime minister described his talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani as useful and satisfying.

The prime minister said meeting with his Qatari counterpart enabled the two sides to review the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr Jamali said he had a satisfying meeting with Emir of Qatar that reinforced shared perception and convergence of views on bilateral and international questions of interest.”

The exchange of views also provided the two sides an opportunity to review situation relating to the Iraq question.

On this subject, the prime minister said: “We agreed that every effort should be made to avoid a war, which will spell devastation for the region. Iraq on its part should fully comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions.”

Jamali termed preservation of peace extremely important for the maintenance of regional and international security.

Pakistan, he said, supported all initiatives, which were being taken in an effort to resolve the crisis peacefully and through the United Nations.

The prime minister said the two sides also expressed unreserved support for the territorial integrity, stability and independence of all states in the region.

Mr Jamali said he briefed the leadership of the brotherly state about the current state of relations between India and Pakistan, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Middle East crisis and developments concerning Afghanistan. “The role of Pakistan and the State of Qatar in combating international terrorism also came up for discussion,” said the prime minister.

The two sides, he said, agreed that the bilateral relations had acquired a steady growth and positive direction consistent with the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries.

“The regularity already attained in our consultative process augers well to built relationship in the substantive areas of cooperation, in keeping with the quality of relations in the political field,” the prime minister added.

Mr Jamali said the two sides also explored ways and means to enhance bilateral economic relationship and to encourage the private sector to closely interact in taking up opportunities which were mutually rewarding.

The prime minister said he expressed and the Qatari leadership noted the readiness of the Pakistani business to participate in the construction activities in Qatar’s infrastructure and industrial projects.

“It was also agreed that joint business council between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry will convene soon and take up its role in providing umbrella to promote activities in the trading, contracting, services and investments,” he added.—APP