Manama: Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to further enhance cooperation in political, economic, defence, and cultural fields during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa in Manama.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties based on shared faith and mutual respect. He expressed gratitude to the King for Bahrain’s generous support, notably the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, which was inaugurated in September. Shehbaz Sharif also welcomed recent high-level exchanges and expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s solidarity following recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan.

Discussing economic relations, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s desire to expand trade and investment, noting that bilateral trade is poised to grow with the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is in the final stages of finalization. He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities through the Special Investment Facilitation Council, particularly in sectors such as food security, IT, construction, mining, tourism, and healthcare.

Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the longstanding defence partnership and agreed to continue strengthening cooperation in training, logistics, manpower, and defence production. They also discussed recent developments in Gaza, agreeing that peace and stability were long overdue for the people of Gaza who have suffered for decades.

King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa informed the Prime Minister about Bahrain’s historical connection with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who served as Bahrain’s lawyer for a long time. During the meeting, the King conferred upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the Order of Bahrain (first class), the highest award given by Bahrain to Heads of States and governments.