President Zardari Meets Bahrain King in Manama: Defence Cooperation and Regional Issues Discussed

President Zardari Meets Bahrain’s King in Manama: Trade, Defence and Global Issues on Agenda

President Asif Ali Zardari held high-level talks with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Wednesday in Manama, with discussions centring on trade, investment, defence cooperation, and key regional and global developments.

The president, accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, arrived in the Bahraini capital on Tuesday for a four-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and the Gulf kingdom.

According to a statement shared on the Presidency’s official X account, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Al-Qudaibiya Palace, where the meeting with King Hamad took place.

“Discussions covered trade and investment, defence cooperation, support for the Pakistani community in Bahrain, and regional and global issues,” the statement said.

During the meeting, King Hamad conferred the prestigious Sheikh Isa Award on President Zardari, recognising his contributions to strengthening ties between the two countries.

Meetings with Bahrain’s Leadership

The Foreign Office (FO) said President Zardari is also scheduled to meet Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as Bahrain’s Prime Minister.

“The discussions will focus on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the FO stated.

The visit, it added, aims to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with Bahrain while expanding collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people exchanges.

Economic and Security Cooperation in Focus

State broadcaster PTV News reported that President Zardari will also address a reception at the Economic Development Board headquarters in Manama, highlighting Pakistan’s economic potential and investment opportunities.

Following his arrival on Tuesday, the president met Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Commander of the Bahrain National Guard, further underlining the importance of defence and security ties between the two nations.

Pakistan and Bahrain have maintained strong diplomatic relations over the years. In November last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Bahrain and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

The prime minister had noted that bilateral trade is expected to grow following progress on a Pakistan–GCC Free Trade Agreement.

Additionally, Bahrain’s interior minister visited Pakistan in September, during which both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, and immigration management.

President Zardari’s ongoing visit is seen as another step toward strengthening strategic, economic, and security ties between Pakistan and Bahrain amid evolving regional and global dynamics.

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