(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Doha: Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar, has said that Qatar-Pakistan defence relations are robust and multi-focused covering military training, bilateral exercises, and deputations.
'This year has seen an exceptional activity in our bilateral visits. These include exchange of bilateral visits; Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Pakistan and Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Qatar. In the Defence domain, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mehmood Hayat visited Qatar besides many other dignitaries and, Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force Maj Gen Salem Hamad Al Nabet visited Pakistan in September this year. There also exits the mechanisms of staff talks at three services level and joint level between Pakistan and Qatar, the Ambassador said.
The Ambassador was addressing at Pakistan Defence Day reception at Ritz Carlton Hotel yesterday evening to celebrate Pakistan's Armed Forces Day.
Furthermore, the Ambassador said, Pakistan Navy ships make port calls to Qatar regularly and also conduct bilateral exercise with Qatar's Navy. 'Regular joint exercises between Special Service Group and at the level of three services also exist. Nearly one thousand serving personnel of Pakistan Armed Forces are serving in Qatar Armed Forces.
He said that the delivery and induction of the first Pakistan built primary trainer, Super Mushshak aircraft in Qatar Emiri Air Force speaks itself of the military engagements both brotherly countries have. The event was organized to pay homage and tributes to the martyrs and ghazis of Pakistan Armed Forces who have rendered supreme sacrifices in the defence of the country.
The reception was attended by a large number of senior Qatari officials, Ambassadors, defence attaches, diplomats, members of the Qatar and Pakistani Armed Forces as well as members of Pakistan community in Doha.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Brig Gen Khalid Mohammad Al Halbadi, Chief Protocol Officer, Qatar Armed Forces; and Brig Gen Hamid Hussain Al Sayari, Director Evaluation, Qatar Armed Forces.
The Chief Guest, the Ambassador and Defence Attache of Pakistan cut the cake on the occasion. The National anthems of Qatar and Pakistan were also played during the event.
Ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza Shah in his address to audience stated: 'Today we pay tribute to the resilience of our nation and the bravery and sacrifices of our armed forces and their countless sacrifices in defending the country against threats to its independence and sovereignty over the past seven decades.
He also stated that the services and contribution of Pakistan Armed Forces have been acknowledged and appreciated at international fora as well. 'Pakistan has been contributing in international peace efforts ever since independence thus making 72 years of our contribution to International peace efforts. Our services under the United Nations Flag since 1947 are a manifestation of our commitment to global peace for creating conditions conducive for sustainable and long lasting peace, through pro-active participation in UN Peacekeeping missions in areas afflicted by conflict.
The Ambassador said that war is not a desirable way to resolve conflicts. 'The world needs economic development, education, respect for human rights, and all those conditions, which define and govern a peaceful society. These need to be enacted in every region, country and each segment of society that finds itself oppressed, marginalized and vulnerable to conflict.
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