News
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Pakistan, Bahrain agree to bolster bilateral relations* King Hamad commends Pakistan for maintaining peace in region
* Zardari appreciates reconciliation taking place in Bahrain
BAHRAIN: President Asif Ali Zardari and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain agreed on Wednesday to further promote existing Pakistan-Bahrain bilateral ties through enhanced economic interactions, promotion and facilitation of business, providing mutual support to meet each another’s requirements, and taking advantage of the shared perceptions on a host of issues and work hand in hand for the stability and peace of the region.
The meeting took place at King’s Palace in Bahrain during President Zardari’s brief visit to Bahrain on the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The two leaders also decided to promote institutional cooperation between the two countries so as to meet mutual requirements in not only traditional areas of cooperation but also to explore new opportunities in economic, commercial and cultural fields. On arrival, President Zardari was received at the airport by the king himself. It was followed by a reception at the King’s palace where King Hamad had hosted an Iftar dinner for the visiting president.
The dinner was followed by a detailed discussion with focus on bilateral ties and the situation in the region. Briefing the media, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the two countries had traditionally been enjoying a cordial and close relationship owing to the similarity of views they share on issues of regional and international importance and their close cultural affiliations besides their spirit of mutual cooperation. This visit, he said, would further strengthen the relationship and boost bilateral cooperation.
Farhatullah Babar said that during the meeting, President Zardari lauded the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and appreciated the socio-economic development witnessed under his able leadership.
The president said that the two countries needed to forge a close multi-dimensional partnership encompassing trade, commercial, cultural, defence ties and other interactions for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries and for socio-economic development.
Farhatullah Babar said that other matters that came under discussion during the meeting included Pakistan’s ongoing fight against extremism and the regional situation with special reference to that of Middle East. King Hamad appreciated the valiant struggle of Pakistani law enforcement agencies against terrorists. He also lauded Pakistan’s efforts towards maintaining peace in the region.
President Zardari said that Pakistan respected the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states and adhered to the principles of non-intervention and non-interference. He said that peace and stability were essential for the development and progress of the people of the region and that any attempt to destabilise the system by force would negatively impact the regional situation.
He said that Bahrain’s economic progress was largely due to political and social stability it has enjoyed under the present leadership. The president said that Pakistan welcomed steps being taken for reconciliation in Bahrain and commended the decision to promote dialogue between various segments of society.
The president said that developments with far reaching consequences were taking place and that there was a need to utilise their collective capabilities to bring stability and peace to Middle East and North Africa.
He said that Pakistan highly valued its relations with Bahrain and that the presence of a sizeable Pakistani community living and working in Bahrain was a manifestation of the close bilateral ties between the two countries. He thanked the Bahraini King for the measures taken to ensure security and well being of the Pakistani community in Bahrain. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk