Manama:Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, addressed a joint press conference following the third meeting of the Bahrain-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Committee.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the strong bilateral ties between the two countries and announced agreements to enhance cooperation across various sectors such as economic, trade, industrial, food security, health, and technology. The importance of ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb was underscored, given their role in safeguarding energy security, food supplies, and international trade.
Dr. Al Zayani conveyed greetings from Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, wishing for Pakistan's continued prosperity. He noted that the two countries would soon celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, highlighting their longstanding ties in political, defense, security, economic, and development areas. Visits by Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2025 and President Asif Ali Zardari in 2026, were cited as strengthening these relations.
The committee's agreed program covers over 15 areas, including the establishment of a joint trade and investment working group and an upcoming meeting of the energy working group to advance cooperation in oil, gas, and minerals. Both sides are committed to expanding cooperation and advancing a free trade agreement between the GCC and Pakistan, with progress to be reviewed at the next committee meeting in Bahrain in 2027.
Dr. Al Zayani praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts during regional crises and its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817, including its role in facilitating US-Iran dialogue. He condemned continued Houthi militia attacks against Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Bahrain's solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Concerns over maritime security were also addressed, with both nations discussing threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. As non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, they pledged to continue close coordination in New York.
Concluding the visit, Dr. Al Zayani reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Bahrain and Pakistan and their commitment to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity for their people and the region.