RAWALPINDI: Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani on Thursday acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and stability and appreciated the professionalism and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
The Bahraini Foreign Minister called on Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation and bilateral defence and security were discussed, according to ISPR.
Field Marshal Munir underscored the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Bahrain, rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the defence and security domains.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister appreciated the professionalism and operational preparedness of Pakistan Armed Forces. He reiterated resolve to further enhance bilateral cooperation and acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and stability.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister is in Pakistan on an official visit. He arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Earlier on Thursday, he held a bilateral meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Pakistan, Bahrain to Deepen Economic Ties
Pakistan and Bahrain on Thursday agreed to double bilateral trade and expand cooperation across trade, investment, energy, information technology, education, logistics and maritime affairs as the two countries concluded the third session of their Joint Ministerial Commission.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the meeting was particularly significant as Pakistan and Bahrain are marking 55 years of diplomatic relations, with both sides agreeing to activate joint working groups in multiple sectors to translate political goodwill into tangible economic and commercial cooperation.
Joint Press Stakeout: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MishaqDar50 and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. https://t.co/VMTUbAna8D
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
Addressing a joint media interaction with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Dar said the protocol of the third session of the Joint Ministerial Commission had been signed, while the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, industry, agriculture, food security, skills development, higher education, IT, logistics and maritime affairs.
Expanding Cooperation
He said joint working groups would be established in areas including trade and investment, oil and gas, information technology, health, education, culture and sports, adding that regular meetings of these groups would help maintain momentum on bilateral cooperation.
Dar said the two sides also agreed to strengthen links between their business communities and create new opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers and professionals.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 co-chaired the 3rd Session of the Pakistan–Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission with his Bahraini counterpart, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
The two sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and agreed to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, energy, agriculture and food security, information technology, health, education and labour. They also discussed measures to strengthen connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges.
The Deputy PM underscored the importance of translating the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bahrain into tangible benefits for their people. He stressed effective implementation of the agreed outcomes through Joint Working Groups, institutional partnerships and regular follow-up.
The JMC was attended by high-level delegations from both sides. The Pakistani delegation included the Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, the Acting Foreign Secretary, the Secretary SIFC and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments. Senior Bahraini officials and representatives of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry also participated.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 8, 2026
“Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to enhance cooperation in labour mobility, technical training and human resource development,” he said, highlighting the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain as a strong bridge between the two brotherly countries.
Dar also called for stronger links between the Pakistani and Bahraini business communities and the creation of new opportunities for Pakistani skilled workers and professionals.
He described the Pakistani community in Bahrain as an important bridge between the two countries.
Gulf Security
Regional security and the rapidly changing situation in the Gulf were also discussed during the meeting.
Both sides stressed the importance of restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, while Dar underlined the need to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb.
He described both maritime routes as vital to global food and energy security.
“Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role through diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region,” Dar said.
Al Zayani said Bahrain highly valued Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region.
He also condemned attacks by Houthi militants against Bahrain, saying attacks on civilian buildings and infrastructure constituted violations of international law.
Stronger Pakistan-Bahrain Ties
Al Zayani said the two countries maintained transparent relations based on mutual respect and described the Joint Ministerial Commission meeting as highly productive.
He said the agreed working groups would continue meeting to follow up on the understandings reached during the session.
The Bahraini foreign minister also highlighted the contribution of around 140,000 Pakistanis living in Bahrain, describing them as hardworking members of society who contribute significantly to the country’s development.
Dar said Al Zayani had remained in close contact with Pakistan during its recent conflict with India and amid US-Iran diplomatic engagement.
During his visit, the Bahraini foreign minister said he would meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and convey the good wishes of Bahrain’s leadership.
The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to consolidate their longstanding relationship and expand practical cooperation for mutual economic and strategic benefit.
Pakistan PM Vows to Deepen Ties with Bahrain
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored the country’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Bahrain in diverse fields, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development.
PM Sharif made the remarks during a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who called on him on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the PM House’s media wing.
“The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Bahraini Foreign Minister and conveyed his best wishes to the leadership and people of Bahrain,” it said.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the longstanding and brotherly relations between the two countries founded on shared values, mutual trust, and close people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Bahraini Foreign Minister and conveyed his best wishes to the leadership and people of Bahrain. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bahrain, founded on shared values, mutual trust, and close people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Bahrain in diverse fields, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development..
Foreign Minister Al Zayani conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the leadership of Bahrain to the Prime Minister and reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across mutually beneficial areas.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Pakistan to Co-Chair the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), along with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the Bahraini Foreign Minister and conveyed his best wishes to the leadership and people of Bahrain. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bahrain, founded on shared values, mutual trust, and close people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Bahrain in diverse fields, including trade, investment, energy, and human resource development..
Foreign Minister Al Zayani conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the leadership of Bahrain to the Prime Minister and reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across mutually beneficial areas.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and emphasized the importance of continued consultations and coordination on issues of mutual interest. Foreign Minister Al Zayani appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and mediation efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission would provide further impetus to bilateral cooperation and contribute to deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.
The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close and longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bahrain.
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 8, 2026
Foreign Minister Al Zayani conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the leadership of Bahrain to the Prime Minister and reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across mutually beneficial areas.
The two sides also discussed regional and international developments, stressing the importance of continued consultations and coordination on matters of mutual interest. Foreign Minister Al Zayani appreciated Islamabad’s constructive role and mediation efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the 3rd Session of the Joint Ministerial Commission would further strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.
