Nawaz in Manama: Pakistan, Bahrain vow to fight terror, extremism

Both sides agree to enhance security, defence, trade and economic ties

MANAMA:

Pakistan and Bahrain vowed on Wednesday to enhance cooperation against terrorism and extremism in the region.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Bahraini counterpart Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa during their meeting prior to delegation-level talks expressed satisfaction over the status of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of defence and security. They agreed that defence cooperation is significant to head off increasing threat of terrorism and extremism in the region.

The prime minister said fighting terrorism was his government’s top priority and his country remained committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He added that Pakistan and Bahrain shared common perceptions on many regional and international issues and had a record of close cooperation at the UN and other international forums.

Later, while leading the Pakistani side in the delegation-level talks with Bahrain at the Gudabiya Palace, Premier Nawaz said Pakistan was keen to work with Bahrain to further improve economic relations. “There is immense scope for expanding the existing volume of bilateral trade between the two countries which currently stands at $200 million,” he added.

The Bahraini delegation was led by Premier Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman al Khalifa. Nawaz said Pakistan was an attractive investment destination because of the government’s liberal investment policy and high rate of return. “Pakistan welcomes investment from Bahrain, particularly in the energy sector, including hydropower, coal, oil and gas,” he added.

Matters relating to around 100,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain also came under discussion. Premier Nawaz said Bahrain was one of the favourite destinations for Pakistanis working abroad. He welcomed the Bahrain government’s decision to award dual nationality to some of Pakistanis working there.

The Bahraini prime minister said that Pakistanis were employed in all walks of life in the country, including highly-skilled professions like security and defence services. He lauded the contribution of the Pakistani community towards stability and socio-economic well-being of Bahrain.

Talking about the regional situation, Premier Nawaz said Pakistan followed a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and wishes to have peaceful and cooperative relations with all countries in the region.

After the talks the two prime ministers witnessed signing of an agreement between the two countries on exemption from short stay visa for holders of diplomatic and official passports. They also witnessed signing of five MoUs which included one signed between the University of Bahrain and Quaid-e-Azam University.

Moreover, Premier Nawaz Sharif handed over the Instrument of Ratification of the Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments to his Bahraini counterpart.

Meeting with the King of Bahrain

Prime Minister Nawaz in his meeting with the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Sakhir Palace discussed enhancement of defence and energy cooperation, manpower employment, trade and investment.

Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, prime minister and four deputy PMs of Bahrain, Speaker of Shura Council and Chairman of the Council of Representatives along with high ranking Cabinet Ministers were also present during the meeting.

PM Nawaz offered Pakistani manpower for tremendous economic development taking place in Bahrain. He said that Pakistan looked forward to early establishment of the Pakistan Energy Fund that would open new vistas of cooperation in the field of energy.

The King also conferred on the Prime Minister the highest civil award of Bahrain - Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa medal of the First Class - in recognition of
his contribution towards further strengthening relationship between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2015.