New Delhi: Pakistan and Bahrain on Wednesday agreed to significantly expand cooperation across economic, defence, and cultural sectors as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held high-level talks with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during his two-day visit to Manama.
According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the meeting took place at Al Qudaibiya Palace, where both sides led delegation-level talks focused on strengthening longstanding bilateral ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised Pakistan’s desire to boost trade and investment, noting that bilateral trade could see substantial growth following the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, which is in its final stages of completion.
Inviting Bahraini investors to Pakistan, Shehbaz highlighted opportunities through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), particularly in food security, information technology, construction, mining, tourism and healthcare.
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the “longstanding defence partnership” and agreed to further enhance cooperation in training, logistics, manpower and defence production.
Regional issues also featured prominently, with Shehbaz and King Hamad expressing deep concern over the situation in Gaza. They agreed that peace and stability for Palestinians was long overdue.
In a significant gesture, King Hamad conferred upon Shehbaz the Order of Bahrain (First Class)—the country’s highest honour awarded to heads of state and government. The Prime Minister said he was “honoured” to receive the award, calling the meeting “most productive” in a post on X (Twitter).
Had a most productive meeting with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in Manama today.
I was honoured to receive the revered award Order of Bahrain (First Class).
We held detailed discussions on our historic ties, including the remarkable… pic.twitter.com/vVeW4g4aC9
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 26, 2025
Shehbaz also noted the “historic ties” between the two nations, recalling that Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, once represented Bahrain as its lawyer. He expressed gratitude for Bahrain’s consistent support and its hospitality toward the large Pakistani expatriate community.
The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed upon arrival in Manama by Bahrain’s Crown Prince and PM Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and other senior leaders. His delegation includes Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and several senior officials.
Shehbaz said the Pakistan-Bahrain partnership “continues to grow from strength to strength”.