Manama, January 14, 2026 – The Europe Today: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama and held comprehensive discussions aimed at further strengthening the close and fraternal relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The talks reflected a shared resolve to deepen cooperation and impart practical momentum to bilateral engagement.
According to a press release issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing, First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla and Balochistan’s Minister for Agriculture Mir Ali Hassan Zehri accompanied the president. Upon arrival at the palace, President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour.
During the visit, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa conferred upon President Zardari the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa (First Class), the highest award of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in recognition of his services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan–Bahrain relations. The president also recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book at Al-Qudaibiya Palace.
President Zardari first held a one-on-one meeting with King Hamad, during which the two leaders reviewed the overall state of Pakistan–Bahrain relations and expressed satisfaction over their positive trajectory. The president conveyed his appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and his delegation and acknowledged the King’s enduring goodwill towards Pakistan.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to broadening cooperation across political, economic, defence and cultural domains, President Zardari reiterated his invitation to King Hamad to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
This was followed by an extended meeting in which both sides discussed concrete measures to enhance trade and investment cooperation. President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s desire to translate strong political relations into increased trade volumes and deeper investment linkages. He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s priority sectors, including agriculture and food security, IT and digital services, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure, highlighting the facilitative role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting foreign investors.
The president underlined that Pakistan views Bahrain as an important economic partner and expressed confidence that closer collaboration could unlock mutually beneficial opportunities. He highlighted Pakistan’s economic potential, regional connectivity and skilled workforce, and encouraged joint ventures aimed at sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
President Zardari also underscored the long-standing defence and security cooperation between the two countries, describing it as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. He noted the close institutional linkages between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bahrain and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen this partnership.
Exchanging views on regional and international developments, the president observed that the international community is facing a period of uncertainty and rapid change. He stressed the importance of unity, perseverance, wisdom and restraint, noting that collective resolve is essential to addressing emerging global challenges and ensuring shared prosperity.
Paying tribute to the Pakistani community in Bahrain, President Zardari described them as a vital bridge between the two nations. He thanked the Bahraini leadership for the respect, opportunities and support extended to more than 116,000 Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdom, and appreciated their contribution to Bahrain’s development and to people-to-people ties. He also acknowledged the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad as a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation.
The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and multilateralism and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges. They also agreed on the need for coordinated efforts at international forums, including the United Nations, particularly on issues of shared concern to the Muslim Ummah.
Speaking at a banquet hosted in honour of President Zardari, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly nations bound by historic ties rooted in mutual respect, Islamic brotherhood and shared interests. He termed the president’s visit a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan across political, economic, commercial and developmental fields.
The King appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support for Bahrain, lauded the positive contribution of the Pakistani community to the Kingdom’s development, and acknowledged Pakistan’s role in supporting the causes of Arab and Islamic nations, as well as its efforts to promote regional and international peace and stability.
Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan Muhammad Ibrahim Abdul Qadir and Ambassador of Pakistan to Bahrain Saqib Rauf were also present. From the Bahraini side, Commander of the Bahrain National Guard Sheikh Muhammad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani attended the meeting.
