Islamabad:The third meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee between Bahrain and Pakistan took place in Islamabad, led by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Delegations from both countries attended the meeting.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister welcomed the Bahraini delegation, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the two nations and marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He discussed efforts to boost bilateral cooperation and trade, and noted progress toward a free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Pakistan.
Dr. Al Zayani extended greetings from Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, wishing Pakistan continued security and prosperity. He highlighted past visits by Pakistani leaders to Bahrain, noting how these reinforced the desire for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including politics, defense, and economics.
Dr. Al Zayani also addressed regional issues, emphasizing the need for stability amidst threats to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He condemned attacks by the Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia and expressed Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, stressing the interconnected security among GCC states.
The Foreign Minister praised Pakistan's efforts in fostering dialogue and peaceful resolutions to regional challenges, acknowledging Pakistan's support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817. He also highlighted the coordinated efforts of Bahrain and Pakistan at the Security Council.
Both countries reviewed their progress in economic and trade collaboration and discussed expanding into sectors like health, agriculture, and technology. They also talked about regional stability, especially regarding maritime navigation and the uninterrupted flow of international trade.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the joint minutes, with both sides agreeing to hold the next meeting in Bahrain, with the date to be determined diplomatically.