Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for stronger ties with Bahrain, focusing on trade, investment, and security cooperation, during a meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting between President Zardari and Dr. Al-Zayani took place in the context of the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission. The discussions aimed to transform the strong political relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain into deeper economic engagement. The leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as food security, IT and digital services, construction, and healthcare. The President also emphasized the importance of business-to-business engagement and commended Bahrain’s support for the Pakistani diaspora.

Dr. Al-Zayani, delivering greetings from Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional stability and peace. He praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional conflicts and highlighted the productive outcomes of the Joint Ministerial Commission meetings. The discussions also recognized Pakistan’s contributions as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The meeting included high-level delegates from both nations, with participation from Bahrain’s Ambassador to Pakistan and various senior officials, and from Pakistan’s side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other senior officials.