ISI chief meets Bahrain's crown prince in Manama
Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik met Bahrain's crown prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on Sunday, according to Bahrain's state news agency. The meeting was held at the official royal residence, Riffa Palace, as reported by the Bahrain News Agency.
The crown prince, who is also the commander of Bahrain's armed forces, "affirmed the depth of the bilateral relations" that "continue to strengthen due to a shared commitment to furthering ties and achieving common goals" between the two countries, the report said. He also emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to deepen joint coordination across various fields, contributing to the mutual prosperity and growth of both countries.
Discussions covered ways to enhance cooperation, the latest regional and international developments, and matters of mutual interest, according to the report. The crown prince highlighted Pakistan's "critical role, alongside its allies, in strengthening the foundations of regional security and stability".
Lt Gen Asim Malik "expressed his gratitude" to the crown prince for his commitment to further develop bilateral ties and "wished the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity", the report said.
Bahrain's minister of the prime minister's court, finance minister, deputy interior minister, deputy national security adviser, and Supreme Defence Council deputy secretary general also attended the meeting.
Recent diplomatic exchanges
The latest meeting follows a series of contacts between Pakistan and Bahrain. Around two weeks ago, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held a phone call with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to congratulate Pakistan on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The Foreign Office said the Bahraini foreign minister had also expressed intentions to visit Pakistan in the near future during the call.
Earlier contacts include a June visit to Pakistan by the commander of Bahrain's National Guard, General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who met Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The National Guard commander also met Pakistan's air and naval chiefs during the visit.