Bahrain’s ruler reviews the guard of honour on his arrival at Chaklala. PHOTO: PPI
Pakistan and Bahrain signed six agreements on Tuesday as King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al Khalifa began his three-day visit to Pakistan.
Ministers from both countries signed the agreements in the presence of the Bahraini monarch and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House where King Khalifa was formally received.
The accords include Establishment of Joint Ministerial Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investment, Cooperation in Food Security, Air Services Agreement, Agreement on Cooperation between Interior Ministries and Cooperation in the Fields of Power and Water.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif invited Bahraini investors to invest in Pakistan, which provides a better investment environment.
“We would welcome Bahraini investments in mega projects in the field of energy, downstream oil industry, port development, mining and minerals, infrastructure, banking and financial sectors,” he said.
He stressed the need for regular Joint Commission meetings as it provided a good platform to review bilateral economic and trade cooperation. “We would deeply appreciate Bahraini support for an early finalisation of Gulf Cooperation Council- Pakistan Free Trade Agreement,” he added.
The prime minister also urged the need to enhance bilateral trade, saying, “We would like Bahrain to increase its imports from Pakistan of high-quality Basmati rice, Halal meat products, poultry, textiles and clothing, sports goods, surgical instruments, carpets, marble and cutlery. Cooperation in agriculture and food sectors would be mutually beneficial also.”
He said the institutional framework of bilateral political consultations between the two foreign ministries provided a useful mechanism to review bilateral relations.
“Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy close and cordial relations based on mutual trust and understanding,” he added. “The Pakistani community residing in Bahrain serves as a bridge between the two countries and has played a positive role in the development of Bahrain as well as contributed to Pakistan’s economy.”
Pakistan had skilled manpower, which could play their role in different economic sectors of Bahrain, he added.
Earlier the Bahraini monarch was welcomed at Nur Khan airbase by the prime minister and his cabinet members, services chiefs and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. A contingent of the three services presented a salute to the visiting king, who is visiting Pakistan on the premier’s invitation.
His Majesty is leading a high-level delegation, including members of cabinet, government officials and businessmen. During his stay in Islamabad, the king will hold talks with the president as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2014.
COMMENTS (8)
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@ MAD ; And our so called rulers are poking in the two family to be the part of them and rule the country their way with the only difference being acting like the barbarians.
Brigade level deployment on the cards in Bahrain. Nice way to weaken the force.
@Jibran: jibran do not be extremist shia this is iranian regime propaganda, besides complain against him When he treats shia rebels in his country the way Iran and syria are treating sunni muslims. Bahrain King is a good man, unlike the liar khomeinites
The King comes shopping.........and what has Pakistan to offer ???
The Royal family of Bahrain is very close to the Saudi Royal Family. During the uprising in bahrain Saudi Arabia in an unprecedented move sent tanks to Bahrain to defend them.
The King of Bahrain is a criminal. He has the blood of thousands of his countrymen on his hands.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif invited Bahraini investors to invest in Pakistan, which provides a better investment environment.
May be Pakistan has a different definition for investment environment!
Yep, dictators get all the bells and whistles in Pakistan.