Pakistan, Bahrain reaffirm commitment to stronger political, economic ties

January 15, 2026 (MLN):  Pakistan-Bahrain relations were strengthened as the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation across political, economic, defence and cultural spheres, as they emphasized a shared resolve to give practical momentum to bilateral engagement.

The progress came during talks and meetings in Manama between President Asif Ali Zardari and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in which the two leaders held comprehensive discussions on further deepening fraternal ties.

President Zardari was accompanied by Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Balochistan’s Minister for Agriculture, Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, according to Radio Pakistan

Upon arrival at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, President Zardari was accorded a Guard of Honour. King Hamad conferred upon him the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class, Bahrain’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan Bahrain relations. The President also recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book.

In a one-on-one meeting, the two leaders reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over their positive trajectory.

President Zardari thanked the Bahraini leadership for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to broadening cooperation in political, economic, defence and cultural fields.

He also reiterated an invitation for King Hamad to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.

An extended meeting focused on concrete ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation.

President Zardari emphasised Pakistan’s desire to translate strong political relations into increased trade and deeper investment linkages, inviting Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in agriculture and food security, IT and digital services, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure.

He highlighted the facilitative role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting foreign investors.

The President described Bahrain as an important economic partner and expressed confidence that closer collaboration could unlock mutually beneficial opportunities.

He pointed to Pakistan’s economic potential, regional connectivity and skilled workforce, encouraging joint ventures aimed at sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

Highlighting defence and security cooperation as a pillar of the bilateral relationship, President Zardari noted the close institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two countries and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen this partnership.

Exchanging views on regional and international developments, the President stressed unity, perseverance, wisdom and restraint, and paid tribute to the Pakistani community in Bahrain as a vital bridge between the two nations.

He thanked the Bahraini leadership for the support extended to over 116,000 Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdom.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability and multilateralism, and agreed on the need for coordinated efforts at international forums, including the United Nations, on issues of shared concern to the Muslim Ummah.

Speaking at a banquet hosted in honour of President Zardari, King Hamad described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly countries bound by historic ties rooted in mutual respect, Islamic brotherhood and shared interests, and termed the visit a significant milestone in further strengthening bilateral relations.

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