Islamabad: Pakistan and Bahrain pledged to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly defence and security collaboration, during the official visit of Pakistan army chief.
Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa held meetings with Bahrain’s top civil and military leadership to discuss defence partnership as well as the regional security situation in the Middle East. “The Bahraini leadership reaffirmed its special relationship with Pakistan,” the Pakistani military statement said. Gen Bajwa also witnessed the closing ceremony of Pakistan-Bahrain joint military exercise Al Badar-V at Sakhir Camp. The exercise “signifies the joint efforts of both nations against terrorism”, he said.
Pakistan Army Chief conferred Bahrain Order (First Class)
Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Pakistan army chief, in their meeting held at Riffa Palace in Manama, discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, particularly within military and defence cooperation. The crown prince praised the Pakistan-Bahrain distinctive relationship and its role in “promoting regional security and stability.” Bahrain’s Crown Prince presented Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff with the Bahrain Order (First Class), conferred upon him by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for “significant contributions to defence cooperation between Bahrain and Pakistan”.
Meetings with military officials
During his two-day visit (January 6-8), Pakistan army chief held separate meetings with the Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and Commander Bahrain National Guard Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Isa Al Khalifa. Bahrain’s commander-in-chief lauded the depth of the friendship between Pakistan and Bahrain, especially with regard to military coordination and defence cooperation. Defence Affairs Minister, Lieutenant-General Abdulla bin Hassan Al-Nuaimi, and Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Dhiyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, also attended the meeting.
Pakistan FM holds phone call with Bahraini counterpart
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a phone conversation with his Bahraini counterpart Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to discuss joint efforts to improve the various aspects of cooperation and to diversify bilateral ties. Pakistan’s foreign minister congratulated his counterpart on the successful GCC Summit held at Al Ula in Saudi Arabia and “the positive steps taken by all members of the organisation that led to successful resolution of outstanding issues” that will strengthen peace in the region and lead to prosperity.
