President Zardari Meets Bahrain’s King Hamad to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation

President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Manama on Tuesday for a four-day state visit to Bahrain. On Wednesday, he met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the royal residence, Al-Qudaibiya Palace, where they discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation.

Key Areas of Discussion

The talks between President Zardari and King Hamad covered:

• Trade and investment opportunities
• Defence cooperation
• Support for the Pakistani community in Bahrain
• Regional and global issues of mutual concern

During the meeting, King Hamad honored President Zardari with the Sheikh Isa Award.

Additional Meetings and Objectives

The president is also scheduled to meet Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who serves as the prime minister. Discussions in this meeting are expected to focus on bilateral, regional, and international topics of shared interest.

The visit aims to reinforce the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain, while expanding cooperation in trade, economic partnership, defence, security, and people-to-people ties.

Other Engagements

Following his arrival, President Zardari met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, commander of the Bahrain National Guard. Additionally, he will address a reception at the Economic Development Board headquarters in Manama.

Context of Pakistan-Bahrain Relations

Last November, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Bahrain and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the kingdom. He highlighted the potential for increased trade and investment, particularly under the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

In September, Bahrain’s interior minister visited Pakistan, where both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, and immigration management.