Qatari foreign minister concludes two-day visit to Pakistan

By APD writer Muhammad Sohail

ISLAMABAD, July 19 (APD) -- Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, on Wednesday concluded his two-day visit to Pakistan in the back of drop of his efforts to win favors around the world to solve ongoing Middle East crises.

During his stay in Pakistani capital of Islamabad, Al-Thani called on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and had meetings with other high officials.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (right) is welcoming Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani (left) at the PM House in Pakistani capital of Islamabad.

Al-Thani briefed PM Sharif on Qatar’s response to the demands of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt and on the current status of the mediation efforts of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.

He also talked about the role of different countries to mediate between the two Middle Eastern countries, shedding light on the demands of allied states for restoration of ties.

Qatar foreign minister also expressed his gratitude to Pakistani government for its support on the issue and reiterated Qatar's desire to further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed concern over the recent crisis in the Middle East, and said the people and government of Pakistan wish to see a diplomatic solution of the problem between the brotherly Islamic countries.

Sharif noted the good relations between Pakistan and Qatar, and stressed that Pakistan maintains close, friendly and cooperative relations with all member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar later this week in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Turkey, a key Pakistani ally, has sided with Qatar in its confrontation with the four Arab countries and has also set up a military base in the oil-rich tiny peninsula.

France, Germany, Britain and the United States have over the past few weeks also tried to defuse the crisis, but have so far been unsuccessful as both sides have firmly stuck to their positions and haven`t shown any flexibility.

Al Thani told Pakistani PM said that Qatar is ready to talk to the quartet as long as the parleys do not infringe on its sovereignty and are in accordance with the international law.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)