ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari, Wednesday, met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, Manama and held comprehensive discussions aimed at further strengthening the close and fraternal relationship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The talks reflected a shared resolve to deepen cooperation and give practical momentum to bilateral engagement.
First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Agriculture Minister Balochistan, Mir Ali Hassan Zehri accompanied the president, President Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.
Upon arrival at the palace, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa conferred upon President Zardari the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class, highest Award of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in recognition of his services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan–Bahrain relations.
The president also wrote his remarks in the visitors’ book at Al-Qudaibiya Palace.
The president first held a one-on-one meeting with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The two leaders reviewed the overall state of Pakistan–Bahrain relations and expressed satisfaction over their positive trajectory.
President Zardari conveyed appreciation for the warmth and extraordinary hospitality extended to him and his delegation and acknowledged the King’s enduring goodwill towards Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to broadening cooperation across political, economic, defence and cultural fields and reiterated the invitation for the King to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
This was followed by an extended meeting, during which both sides 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, IT and digital services, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure, and highlighted the facilitative role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting foreign investors.
President Zardari underlined that Pakistan views Bahrain as an important economic partner and expressed confidence that closer collaboration could unlock mutually beneficial opportunities.
He noted Pakistan’s economic potential, connectivity and skilled workforce and encouraged joint ventures that contribute to sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
The president also highlighted the long-standing defence and security cooperation between the two countries, describing it as a pillar of the bilateral relationship.
He noted the close institutional linkages between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bahrain and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthening this partnership.
While exchanging views on regional and international developments, President Zardari observed that the international community was passing through a difficult period marked by uncertainty and rapid change.
He stressed that nations must stand together to face the challenges of an emerging global order, noting that instability affecting one could have wider consequences for others.
He underlined unity, perseverance, wisdom and restraint as essential virtues in the period ahead, and said that through collective resolve, countries could not only endure but also prosper.
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,and appreciated their positive contribution to Bahrain’s development and to people-to-people ties.
He also acknowledged the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad as a gracious gift from the King, regarding it as a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain.
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and multilateralism and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
Both sides agreed on the need for coordinated efforts at international forums, including the United Nations, particularly on issues of shared concern to the Muslim Ummah.
Speaking at the banquet hosted in honour of President Zardari, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly countries bound by 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, lauded the positive contribution of the Pakistani community to the Kingdom’s development, and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in supporting the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as its efforts to promote regional and international peace and stability.
Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan, Muhammad Ibrahim Abdul Qadir and Ambassador of Pakistan to Bahrain Saqib Rauf were also present on the occasion.
From the Bahraini side, Commander of the Bahrain National Guard Sheikh Muhammad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani also attended the meeting.