Pakistan, Bahrain push for stronger economic ties

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas, including trade, investment, industries, agriculture and food security, higher education, information technology, logistics and maritime affairs, besides committing to finalise the Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Thursday signed the protocol recording the Minutes of the 3rd Session of the Pakistan–Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Both the sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment at the government level as an institutional mechanism for regular consultations, coordination and cooperation on bilateral trade and investment, a DPM's Office news release said.

The minutes record understandings on cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture and food security, oil, gas and minerals, maritime affairs, information technology and telecommunications, health, education and labour, among other areas.

The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed as Pakistan and Bahrain held the 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and visiting Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

Following the ministerial commission's meeting, both leaders told the media at a joint press stakeout that two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors, including energy, sports, tourism, and business-to-business dealings, besides achieving the target of doubling trade in three years.

Dar said the two countries signed the protocol of the third session of the 3rd Joint Ministerial Commission and committed to holding the 4th ministerial commission's meeting within a year.

He said that the key outcome of the "very comprehensive and productive" meeting was the strengthening of the institutional framework through the operationalisation of several joint working groups for regular engagement and effective implementation of the decisions.

He said both sides welcomed the closer engagement between the business communities of the two countries, and acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain, serving as a strong bridge between the two countries.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in labour mobility, vocational training and human resource development, with a view to creating new opportunities for skilled Pakistani professionals and workers.

The deputy prime minister told the media that the two sides also exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Gulf and emphasised the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, besides discussing the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-ul-Mandeb.

Two sides also stressed the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and reiterated their support for a just and lasting solution in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.

Discussing the Indus Waters Treaty, Dar highlighted that India's unilateral decision to place the treaty in abeyance constituted a breach of international law and represented a dangerous attempt to weaponise shared water resources and jeopardise the water, food and energy security of Pakistan's 250 million people.

On Afghanistan, Dar underscored the need to ensure that foreign territory is not used against Pakistan.

In his remarks, the Bahraini foreign minister said next week, on 14th of October, both countries would mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, bonds of brotherhood, trust, and solidarity, that have gained fresh momentum with the official visits to Bahrain by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in November 2025 and President Asif Ali Zardari in January 2026.

He appreciated Pakistan's principled positions during ongoing crises, including its support for Security Council resolutions and for its efforts alongside other partners to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation, including by hosting talks between the United States and Iran.

He reaffirmed Bahrain's strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks on Abha International and King Khaled International Airports, and of the Houthi terrorist militia's attacks on civilians and civilian facilities in Saudi Arabia, particularly the assault on Makkah al-Mukarrama and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah.

Foreign Minister Al Zayani said that his visit reaffirmed the strategic nature of bilateral relations, as both sides were determined to work on the outcomes of JMC for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the two countries, the region, and beyond.

Meeting with PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Bahrain in diverse fields, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development.

Foreign Minister Al Zayani conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the leadership of Bahrain to the Prime Minister and reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across mutually beneficial areas.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission would provide further impetus to bilateral cooperation and contribute to deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

Bahrain FM calls on COAS

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters on Thursday.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and bilateral defence and security were discussed, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The COAS underscored the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Bahrain, rooted in shared values and mutual respect.

He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the defence and security domains.

The visiting dignitary appreciated the professionalism and operational preparedness of Pakistan Armed Forces, reiterated resolve further enhance bilateral cooperation and acknowledged Pakistan's contributions towards regional peace and stability.

Meeting with president

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Bahrain and expressed the desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, economic engagement and security.

The president said this during his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr, a Presidency's news release said.