MANAMA, Bahrain: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari met with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Wednesday in Manama and discussed trade, investment, and defence cooperation.
President Zardari was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at the royal residence, Al-Qudaibiya Palace, a post on the Presidency’s X account said.
“Talks covered trade and investment, defence [cooperation], support for the Pakistani community, and regional and global issues,” it said.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa conferred upon President Asif Ali Zardari the Order of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa First Class, highest Award of Bahrain, in recognition of his services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Bahrain relations.
Pres Asif Ali Zardari met 🇧🇭 King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, Manama. He was accorded a guard of honour. Talks covered trade & investment, defence coop, support for the 🇵🇰 community and regional & global issues. The King conferred Sheikh Isa Award on him. pic.twitter.com/vuMl9atUCn
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 14, 2026
President Asif Ali Zardari, during the meeting, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation across political, economic, defence and cultural domains, and reiterated his invitation to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to pay an official visit to Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported.
The discussions were followed by an extended meeting in which both sides explored practical measures to strengthen trade and investment ties.
The President underscored Pakistan’s desire to translate strong political relations into enhanced trade volumes and deeper investment partnerships.
He invited Bahraini investors to consider opportunities in Pakistan’s priority sectors, including agriculture and food security, IT and digital services, healthcare, tourism and infrastructure, while highlighting the facilitative role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in supporting foreign investors.
Emphasising that Pakistan regards Bahrain as an important economic partner, President Zardari expressed confidence that closer collaboration could unlock mutually beneficial opportunities.
He highlighted Pakistan’s economic potential, strategic connectivity and skilled workforce, and encouraged joint ventures aimed at promoting sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
The President also highlighted the long-standing defence and security cooperation between the two countries, describing it as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.
He noted the close institutional ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bahrain and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership.
While exchanging views on regional and international developments, President Zardari stressed the importance of unity, perseverance, wisdom, and restraint in navigating the challenges ahead.
He paid tribute to the Pakistani community in Bahrain, describing it as a vital bridge between the two nations, and thanked the Bahraini leadership for the respect, opportunities and support extended to more than 116,000 Pakistanis living and working in the Kingdom.
He appreciated the community’s positive contribution to Bahrain’s development and to people-to-people ties.
President Zardari also acknowledged the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad as a generous gift from His Majesty, describing it as a lasting symbol of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain.
Speaking at the banquet hosted in honour of President Zardari, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa described Pakistan and Bahrain as brotherly countries bound by historic relations rooted in mutual respect, Islamic brotherhood, and shared interests.
The King termed the President’s visit a significant milestone in further strengthening bilateral ties. He reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan across political, economic, commercial, and developmental fields.
He appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support for Bahrain and lauded the positive contribution of the Pakistani community to the Kingdom’s development.
He also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in supporting the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations, as well as its efforts to promote regional and international peace and stability.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday arrived in Bahrain’s capital Manama on a four-day official visit to the Kingdom.
In November last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a two-day visit to Bahrain, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other sectors. PM Sharif had reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with Bahrain.
In recent months, both countries have intensified cooperation, highlighted by Pakistani companies signing contracts worth $13 billion at the inaugural Pakistan–Bahrain Investment Summit held in May.
