Pakistan and Bahrain on Wednesday reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and multilateralism and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
During a meeting between President Asif Zardari and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the two leaders agreed to the need for coordinated efforts at international forums, including the United Nations, on issues of shared concern to the Muslim Ummah.
President Zardari, who arrived in Manama on Tuesday night, called on King Hamad at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama and held comprehensive discussions aimed at further strengthening the close and fraternal relationship between the two countries.
During the meeting, according to a press release issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing, Zardari underscored unity, perseverance, wisdom and restraint, terming them essential virtues in the period ahead. Through collective resolve, he continued, countries could not only endure but also prosper.
He observed that the international community was passing through a difficult period marked by uncertainty and rapid change and stressed that nations must stand together to face challenges of an emerging global order. Instability affecting one could have wider consequences for others, he warned.
The president highlighted the long-standing defence and security cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the close institutional linkages between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bahrain and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthening this partnership.
Zardari was accorded a guard of honour upon arrival at Al-Qudaibiya Palace. King Hamad also conferred the kingdom’s highest award, ‘the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class’, on President Zardari for his contribution to strengthening the Pakistan-Bahrain relations.
Earlier, the president held a one-on-one meeting with the king. The two leaders reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over their positive trajectory. Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to broadening bilateral cooperation across various fields.
Later, an extended meeting took place between the two sides, during which they discussed concrete ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation. The president emphasised Pakistan’s desire to translate strong political relations into increased trade and deeper investment linkages.
He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s priority sectors, including agriculture and food security, information technology (IT) and digital services, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure.
President Zardari paid tribute to the Pakistani community in Bahrain, describing them as a vital bridge between the two nations. He thanked the Bahraini leadership for the respect, opportunities and support extended to more than 116,000 Pakistanis living and working in the kingdom.
Later, King Hamad hosted a banquet for President Zardari. Speaking on the occasion, King Hamad described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly countries bound by their historic relations rooted in mutual respect, Islamic brotherhood and shared interests.
The king termed the president’s visit a significant milestone in further strengthening bilateral ties and reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan across political, economic, commercial and developmental fields.
He appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support for Bahrain and the cause of the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as Islamabad’s efforts for promoting regional and international peace and stability. He lauded the positive contribution of the Pakistani community to the kingdom’s development.
The president was accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Balochistan Agriculture Minister Mir Ali Hassan Zehri. Ambassador of Pakistan to Bahrain Saqib Rauf was also present on the occasion.
From the Bahraini side, Commander of the Bahrain National Guard Sheikh Muhammad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan, Ibrahim Abdul Qadir also attended the meeting.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneAPPRead More
