Pak, Bahrain vow to strengthen cooperation in fight against terrorism

Both sides reiterated the importance of peaceful resolution of all disputes.

MANAMA (Dunya News) – Pakistan and Bahrain on Tuesday denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, and reaffirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation in the fight against this menace.

According to a declaration issued at the end of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s maiden visit to Bahrain, the prime minister held meetings with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and discussed matters relating to bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of common interest. The leaders underscored the importance of further promoting political and economic relations, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of public health, energy, education, agriculture and tourism. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan conveyed his deep appreciation on behalf of Pakistan for the royal gesture to establish King Hamad Nursing and Associated Medical Science University in Pakistan.

Both sides underlined the importance of continuing regular consultations through the existing institutional mechanisms and agreed to hold the second meeting of the Bahrain-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission in Manama in the first quarter of next year.

The two sides welcomed the recent signing of an agreement on military cooperation which will further increase the sharing of information, intelligence and assessments.

Expressing satisfaction regarding the growing economic cooperation between the two countries, both sides recognized the potential for greater trade and commercial exchanges and agreed to take all necessary steps to increase the volume of bilateral trade.

Acknowledging the immense commercial potential between Pakistan and GCC countries, Bahrain reiterated its support and commitment to further strengthening cooperation through the preparation of a joint action plan for the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Pakistan, as well as the finalisation of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

The two sides committed to providing favorable environments for investors from both countries and emphasized the need for a regular and timely exchange of information on available investment opportunities. Pakistani side encouraged Bahraini investors to take advantage of favorable investing in areas of infrastructure development, energy, tourism, food processing and services.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including security situation in West and South Asia. Both sides reiterated the importance of peaceful resolution of all disputes in the light of international legitimacy and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

PM Imran Khan also participated in the National Day celebrations of Bahrain as Guest of Honor and was conferred upon the Bahrain Order, the highest civil award, in recognition of his remarkable leadership, outstanding achievements and contribution to further strengthening relations between the two countries.