Manama: President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored Pakistan's commitment to expanding economic cooperation, investment partnerships, and institutional linkages with Bahrain. He was addressing a reception at the headquarters of the Economic Development Board of Bahrain in Manama today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to protecting investment and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. He thanked the leadership of Bahrain and the Economic Development Board for their role in advancing bilateral economic cooperation. Highlighting Pakistan's ongoing economic reforms, the President said the country is pursuing stability, digital modernization, and investment-led growth. He pointed to the Special Investment Facilitation Council as a streamlined platform to facilitate investors, with priority sectors including agriculture, information technology, energy, minerals, logistics, and tourism.

The President identified agriculture and food security, information technology and digital services, renewable energy, and logistics as promising areas for Pakistan-Bahrain collaboration. He also emphasized Pakistan's strategic geographic connectivity linking South Asia, Central Asia, China, and the Middle East, which complements Bahrain's financial expertise and regulatory framework.

While outlining economic opportunities, the President also referred to regional security challenges and their impact on development, reaffirming Pakistan's resolve to counter extremism, strengthen internal security, and pursue peaceful relations with its neighbors while safeguarding national interests.

Besides, President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting with Interior Minister of Bahrain, Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in security, counter-narcotics measures, and counter-terrorism.

During the discussion, the Bahraini interior minister recognized the role of his Pakistani counterpart Mohsin Naqvi in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. President Zardari responded warmly, referring to Minister Naqvi as like a second son to him after his own son Bilawal. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration on shared security priorities and agreed to pursue coordinated efforts against threats posed by organized crime, illicit drugs, and terrorism.

The engagement reflects the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Bahrain and underscores shared resolve to enhance regional security through practical cooperation.