By Anzal Amin
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further deepening its fraternal relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He was speaking to Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan, Mohamed Ebrahim Mohamed Abdulqader who called on him here at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The President underscored the close bonds between the two countries, rooted in shared religious and cultural values, and highlighted Pakistan’s desire to expand cooperation across political, economic, and people-to-people domains, a Presidency’s news release said.
President Zardari said Pakistan greatly values its close and brotherly relations with Bahrain, founded on shared religious and cultural bonds. Referring to the prime minister’s recent visit to Bahrain, he said the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reflected the depth and warmth of relations between the two countries.
The President recalled that the prime minister had invited the Bahraini leadership, including the King, the Crown Prince, and the Deputy Crown Prince, to visit Pakistan, and said the country looks forward to hosting them. He appreciated the King of Bahrain’s gracious acceptance of the invitation to visit Pakistan.
President Zardari congratulated Bahrain on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term and thanked the Kingdom for its solidarity and support following the recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan.
Highlighting economic cooperation, the President said Pakistan is keen to further strengthen trade and investment ties with Bahrain and welcomes initiatives aimed at expanding bilateral economic engagement. He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in priority sectors, including food security, information technology, and tourism.
The President also expressed appreciation for the Pakistani community in Bahrain, noting their valuable contribution to Bahrain’s economy and their role in supporting Pakistan through remittances. He thanked the Kingdom for the respect and opportunities extended to over 100,000 Pakistanis and conveyed gratitude for His Majesty’s generous pardon of Pakistani prisoners.
Parliamentary Leader of PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman and Senator Saleem Mandviwala were also present at the meeting.
