MANAMA: President Asif Ali Zardari held a high-level meeting with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, focusing on expanding the partnership between the two nations through comprehensive discussions.
The talks underscored a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration and accelerate bilateral initiatives. The President was accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, Agriculture Minister of Balochistan.
Upon arrival at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, President Zardari was welcomed with a Guard of Honour. During the ceremony, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa awarded President Zardari the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class the kingdom’s highest honor in recognition of his efforts in strengthening Pakistan-Bahrain ties. The President also signed the visitors’ book at the palace.
The leaders first engaged in a private meeting, during which they reviewed the status of their bilateral relationship and expressed satisfaction with its positive development. President Zardari praised Bahrain’s hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation across political, economic, defense, and cultural sectors. He extended an invitation to the King for an official visit to Pakistan.
Following the private talks, both sides held an extended discussion on concrete measures to boost trade and investment. The President emphasized Pakistan’s aim to transform strong diplomatic ties into increased economic collaboration and invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, information technology, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure. He also highlighted the role of Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting foreign investment.
Expressing confidence in Bahrain as a key economic partner, President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s growth potential, strategic connectivity, and skilled workforce, encouraging joint ventures that promote sustainable development. He also reaffirmed the importance of defense and security cooperation, describing it as fundamental to the bilateral relationship and emphasizing the close institutional ties between the armed forces of both countries.
During discussions on regional and global issues, President Zardari stressed the importance of unity, patience, and dialogue to navigate future challenges. He paid tribute to the Pakistani expatriate community in Bahrain, numbering over 116,000, calling them a vital link fostering people-to-people connections. He thanked Bahrain’s leadership for their support and opportunities extended to Pakistanis working in the kingdom and appreciated their contributions to Bahrain’s progress.
The President also noted the establishment of King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, viewing it as a symbol of enduring friendship and cooperation.Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to regional peace, stability, and multilateralism, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts at international forums like the United Nations, especially on issues concerning the Muslim world.
In a banquet honoring President Zardari, King Hamad described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly nations with deep-rooted ties based on mutual respect, Islamic brotherhood, and shared interests. He highlighted the significance of the President’s visit in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed Bahrain’s commitment to expanding cooperation across various fields. The King praised Pakistan’s consistent support for Bahrain, lauded the Pakistani community’s positive influence in Bahrain, and acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to regional and international peace initiatives.
