ISLAMABAD, March 18 (Xinhua) — Pakistan and Bahrain on Tuesday signed six agreements to boost cooperation in various fields during the visit of the King of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, officials said.
The agreements were signed prior to the formal talks between the visiting King and Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, whose talks were focused on economic ties, the PM office said.
The agreements related to the establishment of Joint Ministerial Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investment, cooperation in Food Security, Air Services Agreement, cooperation between Interior Ministries and cooperation in the Fields of Power and Water.
King of Bahrain arrived at Islamabad on Tuesday on a three-day state visit, first by a Bahrain King in four decades.
The King is leading a high-level delegation including members of Cabinet, Government officials and important business delegation, the Foreign Ministry says.
Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, speaking on the occasion of signing agreements, said that Pakistan provides better investment environment and Bahrani investors should take this opportunity for best returns.
“We would welcome Bahraini investments in mega projects in the field of energy, downstream oil industry, port development, mining and minerals, infrastructure, banking and financial sectors,” he said.
Calling for enhanced bilateral trade, he said, “We would like Bahrain to increase its imports from Pakistan of high quality Basmati rice, Halal meat products, poultry, textiles and clothing, sports goods, surgical instruments, carpets, marble and cutlery. Cooperation in agriculture and food sectors would also be mutually beneficial.”
“We would deeply appreciate Bahraini support for early finalization of Gulf Cooperation Council- Pakistan Free Trade Agreement,” the PM said.
The two sides will also discuss ways to increase export of Pakistani manpower to Bahrain and to facilitate the one hundred thousand strong Pakistani community residing in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Foreign Ministry statement said.
The accompanying Bahraini businessmen will meet their Pakistani counterpart to explore ways to boost trade relations.