ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain on Tuesday signed six documents relating to mutual cooperation in various sectors during the visit of Bahrian’s King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa to Pakistan.
King Al-Khalifa – who is on a three-day official visit to hold talks with Pakistani leadership on bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest – and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony in Islamabad.
The agreements include, establishment of joint ministerial commission for bilateral cooperation, agreement for promotion and protection of investment, cooperation in food security, air services agreement, cooperation between interior ministries and cooperation in the fields of power and water.
Earlier during meeting with the King, Premier Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy close and cordial relations based on mutual trust and understanding.
The prime minister said that Pakistan provides better investment environment and Bahraini investors should take this opportunity for best returns.
“We would welcome Bahraini investments in mega projects in the field of energy, downstream oil industry, port development, mining and minerals, infrastructure, banking and financial sectors,” PM Sharif said.
The prime minister also hosted a dinner in honor of the King of Bahrain and the visiting delegation at the PM House.
Earlier, the King was warmly received by Prime Minister Sharif upon his and his cabinet members’ arrival in the country at the Nur Khan Airbase. Services chiefs and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were also present on the occasion.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the three services presented a salute to King Hamad, who is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Sharif.
The King reviewed the guard of honour. National anthems of Pakistan and Bahrain were also played on the occasion. He is leading a high level delegation, including cabinet members, government officials and important businessmen.
According to a foreign office statement, the visit will provide a good opportunity to explore ways and means to further strengthen cooperation in diverse areas of interest, particularly in expanding bilateral trade and enhancing investments in Pakistan.
In this context, the visiting Bahraini businessmen will meet their Pakistani counterparts.
The two sides will also discuss ways to increase export of Pakistani manpower to Bahrain and to facilitate the one hundred thousand strong Pakistani community residing in the Kingdom, which serves as a bridge between the two brotherly countries and plays a positive role in the development of Bahrain as well as contributes to Pakistan's economy.
The visit is of special significance for being the first official visit of the King of Bahrain to Pakistan in four decades. The visit will give a new impetus to the existing fraternal bonds between the two countries, the FO statement added.