Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to step up economic cooperation and work towards increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion, as the two countries held the third meeting of their Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad after a gap of five years.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani co-chaired the meeting, which was held during Al Zayani’s two-day official visit to Pakistan.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani arrived in Islamabad for the two-day official visit, where he was received by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two foreign ministers also held a bilateral meeting before co-chairing the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission. The Foreign Office said the visit reflects the close, friendly and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Bahrain.
Addressing the commission, Ishaq Dar welcomed the Bahraini foreign minister and his delegation and said the meeting was taking place in a very cordial atmosphere.
He noted that Pakistan and Bahrain have completed 55 years of diplomatic relations, with the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties falling on October 14.
Annual Joint Ministerial Commission meetings
Ishaq Dar noted that the third meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission was being held after a gap of five years. He said there should not be a gap of more than one year between meetings of the commission and expressed the commitment to make efforts to hold the next session within a year.
Dar said high-level contacts and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain continue, while both sides are working to further strengthen and enhance bilateral ties.
He also said Pakistan looks forward to the visit of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister. According to Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is awaiting dates for the visit.
The deputy prime minister also expressed gratitude for the inauguration of the Islamabad University of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences Hospital in Bahrain, which was inaugurated in September 2025.
Pakistan, Bahrain target $1bn in bilateral trade
Trade and economic cooperation remained a major focus of the Joint Ministerial Commission. Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and Bahrain have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion, with a goal of doubling the trade volume within three years.
He stressed that both countries would need to make concerted efforts to achieve the target and said Pakistan intends to take trade and economic development with Bahrain to new heights.
Dar said meetings of all Pakistan-Bahrain joint working groups had concluded before the ministerial commission session, with useful and productive discussions held during those meetings.
The talks covered cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, maritime affairs and other sectors, while industrial cooperation between the two countries was also discussed.
Cooperation across more than 15 sectors
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani said discussions during the ministerial commission covered cooperation in more than 15 sectors. He said the areas discussed included education, culture, agriculture, media, health, trade and other fields, reflecting the broad scope of Pakistan-Bahrain bilateral cooperation.
Al Zayani said relations between the two countries are rooted in brotherhood and mutual trust and thanked the Pakistani leadership for the warm welcome and excellent hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He said the partnership between Pakistan and Bahrain had gained significant momentum, adding that Bahrain seeks to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in the investment and development sectors.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the protocol for the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission was signed. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani signed the protocol at a ceremony in Islamabad.
Dar described the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial meeting as highly successful and announced that the next meeting will be held in Bahrain.
Regional security, diplomacy
The two sides also discussed the regional security situation and the importance of diplomacy amid continuing crises.
Ishaq Dar stressed that Afghanistan must ensure the elimination of terrorism against Pakistan originating from its soil. He also said Pakistan advocated for the cause of Palestinian independence and emphasised the importance of diplomacy in light of the prevailing regional situation.
Dar highlighted the importance of secure maritime routes, saying shipping through the Bab-el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz is crucial for international trade and energy security.
The Bahraini foreign minister said regional crises remain unresolved and noted that shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continues to face pressure.
Bahrain condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia
Al Zayani strongly condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attacks targeting Saudi cities and airports. He said targeting airports and civilian infrastructure is a criminal act and a violation of international law.
The Bahraini foreign minister also strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Saudi cities, including Makkah and Madinah, and reiterated Bahrain’s position against attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The Bahraini foreign minister also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran, describing Islamabad’s efforts to help resolve the conflict as commendable.
The discussions came amid wider regional tensions, with both sides stressing the importance of diplomacy and peaceful efforts to address regional crises.
Dar said Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement and diplomacy while protecting its national interests and promoting regional peace and stability.
Strong people-to-people ties
Ishaq Dar also highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain, saying it plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The deputy prime minister said the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain extends beyond government-to-government ties and includes strong people-to-people connections.
Al Zayani, meanwhile, reiterated Bahrain’s best wishes for Pakistan’s security, prosperity and success.
He said the two countries’ diplomatic relationship, spanning 55 years, provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation across political, economic, social and development sectors.
The Bahraini foreign minister also referred to upcoming high-level visits, saying the Prime Minister of Pakistan would visit Bahrain in 2025 and the President of Pakistan in 2026, as stated during the press conference.
