Islamabad: His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, received General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, at the start of his visit to Pakistan, which comes within the framework of the longstanding ties between the two nations. The Interior Minister conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, wishing the Pakistani people further progress, prosperity, security, and stability.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HE President Zardari emphasised that Pakistan highly values its relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting the strong relations between the peoples of both countries. HE the Pakistani President expressed appreciation for the existing cooperation between the two countries and hope for enhanced collaboration in security, immigration, counterterrorism, and combating drug trafficking, underlining Pakistan's commitment to enhancing its partnership with Bahrain.
On his part, the Interior Minister expressed the Kingdom's pride in its strong ties with Pakistan, highlighting joint efforts to develop and deepen these relations across various fields. He commended the contributions of the Pakistani community and its role in Bahrain's development, noting that members of the community exist with their Bahraini counterparts, benefiting from comprehensive care and access to services.
His Excellency Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, also received the Interior Minister. HE the Pakistani Prime Minister welcomed the Interior Minister, commending the strong relations between the two countries and Pakistan's commitment to deepening cooperation with Bahrain across all domains. The Interior Minister conveyed greetings from HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and expressed Bahrain's anticipation of HE the Pakistani Prime Minister's upcoming visit.
During the meeting, the Interior Minister reviewed key community security projects in Bahrain, including programmes to promote national belonging and values, the alternative sentencing project, and the open prisons programme, highlighting their role in strengthening criminal justice and emphasising human rights. Discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation, coordination, and joint efforts to address security challenges, alongside several regional security developments.
The Interior Minister continued his meetings by meeting Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistani, who welcomed the visit and noted its importance for developing bilateral relations. The Interior Minister conveyed the greetings of HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince. He commended the Pakistani Army's competence and advanced capabilities, emphasising the importance of joint efforts to enhance cooperation. The two sides discussed shared interests and reviewed existing cooperation, particularly in security.
As part of his visit, the Interior Minister also met Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control of Pakistan. The Pakistani Minister welcomed the visit, highlighting its role in enhancing security cooperation and coordination. The Interior Minister expressed pride in the longstanding relations between the two countries and underlined the importance of forming a joint security committee to enhance cooperation in key security areas, including modernising police work using advances in information technology and artificial intelligence.
During discussions, both sides agreed to form a joint security committee focused on deepening collaboration in combating drugs and terrorism, coast guard operations, border security, immigration, and police training. They also decided to sign memoranda of understanding on extradition and mutual legal assistance.
The Interior Minister met Brigadier Ghulam Abbas, Director General of the Pakistani Coast Guard. The Director General of the Pakistani Coast Guard welcomed the visit, recognising its role in enhancing security cooperation. The Interior Minister commended the cooperation, especially in training and capacity building, and highlighted the importance of exchange visits to strengthen ties between the two countries, particularly in maritime security. Several maritime security and safety topics were discussed, alongside means to develop joint actions.
The Interior Minister arrived in Pakistan and was received by Senator Talal Chaudhry, Minister of State for Interior Affairs.