Both leaders reaffirmed the enduring defence partnership, underscoring a shared commitment to security collaboration and continued strategic support between the two nations (Catchline)
MM Report
MANAMA: During a visit to Manama, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa agreed to expand collaboration across political, economic, defence, and cultural sectors, officials said. The discussions reflected a mutual desire to strengthen longstanding ties and explore new avenues of partnership.
Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s intent to broaden trade and investment links, highlighting opportunities for closer economic cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the defence partnership that has historically underpinned relations between the two nations, signaling a continued commitment to security collaboration and mutual strategic support.
In a gesture symbolizing the warmth of bilateral relations, King Hamad conferred the Order of Bahrain, the kingdom’s highest civilian honor, upon Sharif. The award, reserved for international leaders, recognized Pakistan’s enduring friendship and cooperation with Bahrain.
During the meeting, the monarch also recalled a historical connection, noting that Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had once represented Bahrain in legal matters—a reminder of the long-standing personal and institutional ties binding the two countries. Sharif’s visit began with a reception by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who welcomed the prime minister with a traditional guard of honour at Qasr al-Qudaibiya.
The prime minister expressed gratitude for the reception and commended Bahrain’s leadership for supporting efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in areas of trade, investment, and defence cooperation.
Officials noted that both sides discussed practical steps to facilitate increased economic exchange, including initiatives to attract investment, enhance trade flows, and promote cultural and educational collaborations. The talks were described as constructive, with a shared recognition of the mutual benefits of deeper engagement in an evolving regional context.
Observers said the visit underscored Pakistan’s efforts to diversify and reinforce its regional partnerships while highlighting Bahrain’s openness to strengthening ties with Islamabad. Analysts suggested that the award of the Order of Bahrain to Sharif not only marked a ceremonial gesture but also symbolized a renewed commitment to diplomatic and strategic collaboration between the two nations.
The meeting in Manama, combining historical symbolism with forward-looking agendas, reflected a shared vision for deepening Pakistan-Bahrain relations, balancing economic interests, cultural exchange, and defence cooperation amid a dynamic regional landscape.
