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Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to further broaden their bilateral engagement in diverse fields of mutual interests such as co-operation in the fields of economic, trade and investment, defence and security, including the finalisation of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
The understanding reached during the recent three-day official visit by King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa along with a high-level delegation to the country, according to a joint statement issued upon the conclusion of the visit. During the official meetings, the two sides underlined the close bilateral ties, deeply rooted in shared history and cultural affinities, sustained and nourished through growing economic linkages, multi-faceted co-operation and close people-to-people contacts. The wide-ranging discussions were held in a sincere, friendly and forward-looking atmosphere with useful exchange of views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
According to the joint statement, the two sides agreed to further broaden and deepen the bilateral engagement in diverse fields of mutual interest. There was agreement on further enhancing high-level political exchanges, co-operation in the fields of economic, trade and investment, defence and security and people-to-people linkages.
It stated that the King expressed appreciation for the role and contribution of the Pakistani expatriate community towards progress and economic development of Bahrain. The Pakistani leadership conveyed its deep appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting a large number of Pakistani citizens and expressed the hope that the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to employ more Pakistanis in different sectors of their mainstream economy, it added.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the status of the bilateral relations and expressed the hope that such exchanges would be further intensified with the aim to give impetus to the existing cordial ties. The two sides stressed the importance of continuing regular consultations through the existing institutional mechanisms and welcomed the setting up of Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission.
Both the countries emphasised the importance of bilateral consultations between the two Foreign Ministries, which would serve as an umbrella framework for bilateral co-operation. The two sides decided that the next round would be held in the second half of 2014. “The two sides stressed the importance of increasing the defence and security co-operation between the two countries”, according to the statement, which added that it was agreed that the security dialogue will take place annually between the two countries at mutually agreed, appropriate level.
It was also decided to strengthen sharing of information, intelligence and assessments. Both sides denounced terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their desire to strengthen their co-operation in combating terrorism at both the bilateral level and within the multilateral system of the UN, it added.
In the field of economic co-operation, the two sides noted with satisfaction the growth and progression of the bilateral trade relations. The Pakistani side welcomed the high-level business delegation accompanying the King and recognised the importance of the organising of the Pakistan – Bahrain Business Forum meeting which provided a good opportunity to realise the potential for further enhancement of trade and commercial exchanges. The two sides agreed to take necessary steps to provide an impetus to the bilateral trade turnover.
The two sides noted the potential for increased mutual investments and agreed to provide a favourable environment for investors from both countries. The two sides agreed for regular and timely exchange of information on available investment opportunities. Recognising the enormous growth potential of Pakistan’s economy, the Bahraini side expressed its readiness to consider investments in Pakistan. The Pakistani side recognised Bahrain as an ideal gateway to the GCC markets.
The two sides welcomed the signing of the agreements/MoUs during the visit, which include (i) MoU on Establishment of Joint Ministerial Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, (ii) Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, (iii) MoU on Cooperation between Ministries of Interior (iv) MoU on Cooperation in the fields of Water and Power, (v) MoU on Cooperation in Food Security, in Particular Rice, (vi) Air Services Agreement, (vii) MoU in the areas of Labour and Occupational Training, and (viii) MoU between Economic Development Board of Bahrain and Board of Investment.
“The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the security situation in West Asia and South Asia”, said the statement, adding both sides also reiterated the importance of peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue, be they regional or international. The two sides acknowledged the close relations between Pakistan and the GCC countries and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen co-operation, including the finalisation of the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, it added.
The King thanked President and the Prime Minister for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and the members of his delegation. He extended his invitation to President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to visit Bahrain at a mutually convenient time, which the later accepted. The King was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising heads of legislatures, ministers, senior officials and business leaders. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome on March 18, 2014 by the Prime Minister.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hosted official banquets in honour of the King, which were preceded by official talks. The King had bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif. The King also visited the Joint Staff Headquarters.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2014