MANAMA (Kashmir English): Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presented President Asif Ali Zardari with the country’s highest award, the Sheikh Isa First Class, in recognition of his distinguished services in promoting relations between Pakistan and Bahrain.
President Asif Zardari met Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Qudaibiya Palace on Wednesday, where the two leaders held comprehensive talks to further strengthen the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The talks expressed their determination to give practical momentum to bilateral cooperation and expand relations to new heights.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Balochistan Agriculture Minister Mir Ali Hassan Zehri.
Upon his arrival at the palace, President Zardari was presented with a guard of honor. The President also recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book of Qudaibiya Palace.
President Zardari and the King of Bahrain first held a one-on-one meeting in which the overall status of Pakistan-Bahrain relations was reviewed, and satisfaction was expressed over their positive progress.
The President thanked the King of Bahrain for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality extended to him and the delegation, and appreciated his long-standing good wishes for Pakistan.
He reiterated his commitment to promote cooperation in political, economic, defense, and cultural sectors and also reiterated his invitation to the King of Bahrain for an official visit to Pakistan.
The detailed meeting held later considered practical ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and investment.
President Zardari said that Pakistan wants to convert strong political relations into growing trade and deep investment ties.
He invited Bahraini investors to invest in priority sectors, including agriculture and food security, IT and digital services, health, tourism, and infrastructure, and highlighted the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council.
The President said that Pakistan considers Bahrain an important economic partner and that close cooperation can create beneficial opportunities for both countries.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s economic potential, geographical connectivity, and skilled manpower, and encouraged joint projects.
President Zardari termed the long-standing defense and security cooperation between the two countries as an important pillar of bilateral relations and expressed his desire to further strengthen this partnership.
Discussing the regional and global situation, the President said that the world is currently going through an era of uncertainty and rapid changes, in which nations will have to face challenges together.
He called unity, tolerance, wisdom, and forbearance indispensable.
President Zardari, describing the Pakistani community living in Bahrain as a strong bridge between the two countries, thanked the Bahraini leadership for providing honor, opportunities, and facilities to more than 116,000 Pakistanis living in the country.
He also appreciated the positive role of the Pakistani community in the development of Bahrain.
He described the establishment of King Hamad University of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad as a valuable gift from the King of Bahrain and a lasting symbol of friendship between the two countries.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional issues.
They also agreed to work together on issues related to the Muslim Ummah at international forums, including the United Nations.
Bahraini Ambassador to Pakistan Mohammed Ibrahim Abdul Qadir and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Saqib Rauf were also present on the occasion, while the Bahraini delegation included Bahrain National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
