King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain conferred the nation’s highest award, the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class, upon President Asif Ali Zardari today, in recognition of his contributions to bilateral relations during a visit focused on giving practical momentum to economic and defence cooperation.
The talks between the two leaders reflected a shared resolve to deepen fraternal ties and translate strong political relations into increased trade and deeper investment linkages.
Upon his arrival at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, the President was accorded a Guard of Honour. He was accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and Balochistan”s Agriculture Minister, Mir Ali Hassan Zehri.
The diplomatic engagement began with a one-on-one meeting where the leaders reviewed the overall state of Pakistan-Bahrain relations, expressing satisfaction over their positive trajectory. President Zardari conveyed appreciation for the hospitality and reiterated an invitation for King Hamad to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
This was followed by an extended meeting, where both sides discussed concrete ways to enhance commercial cooperation. The President invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan”s priority sectors, including agriculture, IT, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure.
He highlighted the facilitative role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting foreign investors, underlining Pakistan”s economic potential, connectivity, and skilled workforce as incentives for joint ventures.
The President also described the long-standing defence and security cooperation as a pillar of the bilateral relationship, reaffirming Pakistan”s desire to further strengthen institutional partnerships between the armed forces of the two countries.
While exchanging views on global developments, President Zardari underlined unity, perseverance, and restraint as essential virtues. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and underscored the importance of diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
Both sides agreed on the need for coordinated efforts at international forums, including the United Nations, particularly on issues of shared concern to the Muslim Ummah.
President Zardari paid tribute to the more than 116,000 Pakistanis residing in Bahrain, describing the community as a vital bridge between the two nations and thanking the Bahraini leadership for the support extended to them.
The establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad was acknowledged as a gracious gift from the King and a lasting symbol of friendship.
At a banquet hosted in his honour, King Hamad described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly countries bound by historic relations. He termed the President”s visit a significant milestone and lauded Pakistan”s role in supporting regional and international peace and stability.