During the meeting, both leaders reviewed ways to boost trade and investment, strengthen defence cooperation, and enhance support for the Pakistani expatriate community in Bahrain. They also exchanged views on key regional and international issues. In a symbolic gesture reflecting growing bilateral ties, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa conferred the prestigious Sheikh Isa Award on President Asif Ali Zardari.
The visit’s momentum is set to continue, as President Zardari is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as Bahrain’s prime minister. According to the Foreign Office, discussions will focus on bilateral relations along with regional and global matters of mutual interest.
“The visit aims to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the brotherly Gulf nation while expanding opportunities for collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people ties,” the Foreign Office said.
Adding to the packed agenda, state broadcaster PTV News reported that President Zardari will also address a reception at the headquarters of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board in Manama.
Soon after his arrival on Tuesday, President Zardari met Bahrain’s National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, highlighting the growing security engagement between the two countries.
The visit follows a series of recent high-level exchanges. In November last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a two-day visit to Bahrain, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding ties with the kingdom, particularly in trade and investment, noting that bilateral trade could witness significant growth under the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.