Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to further increase cooperation in combating narcotics.

The understanding to this effect reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Ambassador of Qatar Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater in Islamabad.

Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations, and enhancing cooperation in various fields were discussed in detail during the meeting. Both sides also discussed the release of Pakistani citizens, imprisoned in Qatar.

Speaking on the occasion, the Interior Minister said Pakistan has very close relations with Qatar. He highlighted that a conference of Gulf countries on narcotics control is being held in Islamabad in April, and the head of Qatar's drug control department has been invited to participate in this conference. He emphasized the importance of close cooperation with friendly countries in combating narcotics.

The Qatari Ambassador invited Mohsin Naqvi to visit Qatar, on which the Interior Minister reciprocated positively.  The Ambassador said Pakistan is a brotherly Islamic country and Qatar attaches great importance to the bilateral relations with Pakistan.