HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani shaking hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif before chairing the official talks in Islamabad yesterday. Right: HH the Emir with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain.

Agencies
Islamabad
Qatar and Pakistan yesterday discussed bilateral relations and ways to develop them “to serve the common interests”, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) said.  
The talks were led by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
HH the Emir is on a two-day visit to Pakistan.
The talks were attended by the delegation accompanying the Emir and senior Pakistani ministers and officials.
During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.
HH the Emir and Prime Minister Sharif later witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding between the two governments.  
Prime Minister Sharif said that Pakistan held Qatar in very high esteem and wished to enhance co-operation in all fields, particularly energy, trade, investment, defence and manpower, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).  
“Sharif  said this while talking to the Emir at the PM House,” APP reported.
“Talking to the Emir, the prime minister said Pakistan and Qatar enjoyed close and brotherly relations.” APP said.
“He lauded the personal contribution of the Emir in transforming Qatar into one of the most attractive destinations of the world. Qatar’s progress is remarkable, enviable and a matter of pride for us as a brotherly country,” APP quoted Sharif as saying.
He said Pakistan invited Qatari investment in Pakistan in all areas, adding that “our bilateral trade of less than $300mn per annum is much below its potential”.
The prime minister said that Qatar was home to more than 100,000 Pakistanis whose remittances were making a valuable contribution to the socio-economic development of Pakistan. Pakistan would appreciate if Pakistani manpower in Qatar was substantially enhanced, he said.
Both sides agreed to take measures to enhance trade and strengthen co-operation in the field of defence and manpower.
The prime minister said the Emir’s visit would provide fresh impetus to relations between the two countries.