Pakistani president calls for strengthening trade and security ties with Bahrain

Islamabad, Oct 8 (KUNA) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his desire today, Thursday, to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, economic cooperation, and security.

The Pakistani presidential palace stated in a press release that Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani met with President Zardari at the presidential palace in Islamabad during his two-day visit. The statement clarified that the two sides initially held a closed-door meeting, followed by an expanded meeting at the delegation level. The Bahraini minister is visiting Pakistan to participate in the third session of the Joint Ministerial Committee between the two countries.

During the meeting, Zardari emphasized that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Bahrain, expressing his anticipation for enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, economic cooperation, and security. According to the statement, the Pakistani president noted Islamabad’s commitment to transforming strong political ties into deeper commercial and investment links, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in food security, information technology, digital services, construction, mining, port operations, research and development, tourism, and healthcare. He also encouraged enhanced communication and cooperation between the business sectors of both countries.

The statement added that President Zardari expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Kingdom of Bahrain to the “Islamabad Memorandum” and the “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement,” as well as for Bahrain’s recognition of Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. Zardari pointed out that Pakistan and Bahrain share a solid and reliable defense partnership, evident in joint military exercises, high-level visits, and institutional cooperation. He also expressed Pakistan’s readiness to further enhance cooperation in the fields of human resources, logistics, training, and defense equipment.

He also commended Bahrain’s support and the opportunities it provides for more than 134,000 Pakistanis residing in the Kingdom, welcoming continued cooperation on issues concerning the Pakistani community.

Regarding the regional situation, Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement with all parties to build trust, bridge differences, and enhance lasting peace, security, and stability in the region.

The Pakistani presidential statement quoted the Bahraini Foreign Minister as saying that the meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee between Pakistan and Bahrain had been highly productive, covering several important areas of cooperation. He noted that the Pakistani president’s visit to Bahrain had a significant and positive impact on bilateral relations.

Discussing the regional situation, Al Zayani praised Pakistan’s courageous efforts to play a mediating role and bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table, affirming that Pakistan’s initiatives had contributed to saving many lives. He also congratulated Pakistan on its successful tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

(End) S.B.K / M.M.J