Pakistan, Bahrain have shared perception on different regional and global issues: PM
21 December, 2006
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| ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz shakes hand with Prince of Bahrain Sheikh Suleman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa prior to a meeting at Prime Minister Hou |
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain have reiterated their resolve to expand cooperation in diverse areas of activities and agreed on ways for establishment of peace besides boosting relations in economic, trade and defence sectors.
Bahrain crown prince Suleman Bin Hamad Muhammad Al Khalifa met Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in prime minister house Wednesday. Both the leaders held one on one meeting for twenty minutes followed by delegation meeting.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz was assisted by defence minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal, minister of state for defence Habib Ullah Warraich, minister for labour and manpower Ghulam Sarwar Khan, advisor to prime minister on finance Dr Salman Shah , minister of state for foreign affairs Khusro Bakhtiar, minister of state for economic division Hina Rabbani Khar and foreign secretary Riaz Muhammad Khan while a 10-member delegation comprising ministers assisted crown prince of Bahrain.
A broad spectrum of matters related to regional situation, ways and means on promotion of bilateral relations and situation of Kashmir, Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine figured in the talks.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz briefed the Crown Prince Bahrain about the composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India and reiterated Pakistan was pursuing efforts for establishment of peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan is also playing its role to ensure regional peace, he added.
Later an MOU on promotion of cooperation in the areas of social development, special education exchange of information at foreign office level was signed between the two countries in the presence of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and crown prince Bahrain.
Later addressing a joint press conference, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said both the countries are tied into deep historical, cultural and religious bond and both have shared perception on different regional and international issues. Both the sides are keen that the issues are settled through peaceful means. The visit of crown prince of Bahrain will further boost the existing bilateral ties. The volume of investment and trade is on rise between the two countries. About 40000 Pakistanis are working in different sectors in Bahrain at present, he told.
Talks have been held on free trade agreement and establishment of joint investment company with the crown prince of Bahrain. " We have also exchanged views on the issues of Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iran and Lebanon. We will continue our journey to peace, development and prosperity.
Crown Prince of Bahrain said both the countries have to further strengthen the bilateral relations.
Responding to a question he said " we don`t support arms race. We have also asked Iran to resolve the issue through peaceful means and it should not demonstrate haste on nuclear technology issue. We support acquisition of civil nuclear technology for peaceful purpose.
He held the proposals floated by President Musharraf on Kashmir issue are constructive. The economic reforms introduced in Pakistan are good omen. Private sector plays a vital role in the economy of any country. Investment can be made in any sector in Pakistan. There is no bar on the companies of Bahrain in this respect, he added.
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