Recent Developments in Regional Affairs and Efforts to Reduce Tensions
The third session of the joint ministerial committee between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan convened yesterday in Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting was led by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Bahraini Foreign Minister, and Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, with delegations from both countries participating.
During the preliminary statements, Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed the Bahraini delegation and expressed his satisfaction with the convening of the joint ministerial committee. He appreciated the efforts of working teams aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation to benefit both nations’ interests and objectives.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Dar emphasized the importance of the historic relationship shared between Bahrain and Pakistan, highlighting the 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He stated that both governments are committed to nurturing and furthering this cooperation at all levels.
The Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister also voiced his appreciation for the approved roadmap aimed at enhancing joint collaboration, stressing the need for increasing trade exchanges that reflect the bonds of brotherhood and bilateral cooperation. He noted the impending free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Pakistan, which is anticipated to be finalized soon.
Bahraini and Pakistani Efforts to Ensure Regional Stability
In his address, Dr. Al Zayani conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. He extended well wishes to the Pakistani leadership and people, expressing contentment with the third committee meeting, which signifies the deep-rooted ties between both nations.
Al Zayani celebrated the milestone of 55 years of diplomatic relations and remarked on the significant momentum gained through high-level official visits between Bahrain and Pakistan over the past year. This includes visits by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Bahrain in November 2025 and former President Asif Ali Zardari in January 2026. These visits reaffirmed the mutual political will to advance relations across various fields, including political, defense, security, economic, investment, and development.
Addressing Regional Challenges
The Bahraini Foreign Minister stated that the ongoing regional crisis remains unresolved, underscoring the daily threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He articulated the need for a more stable and cooperative regional framework. In this regard, Bahrain condemned the continued aggressive actions of Houthi militias against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which target civilians and sacred sites, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Bahrain reiterated that Saudi security is integral to its own security and that of the GCC.
Bahrain highly appreciates Pakistan’s constructive role, particularly led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in supporting dialogue, reducing tensions, and pursuing peaceful resolutions to regional challenges. The Foreign Minister acknowledged Pakistan’s support for UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and the close coordination between the two countries’ leadership.
Collaborative Paths Ahead
Both ministers engaged in discussions regarding the ongoing conditions in the region and strategies aimed at reducing tensions. They focused on collective efforts to maintain security and stability, along with ensuring maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, which is vital for international trade, energy, food, and medical supply chains according to international maritime laws.
As the meeting culminated, the ministers signed the joint minutes reflecting the committee’s discussions. They agreed to hold the fourth meeting of the committee in Bahrain, with a date to be scheduled through diplomatic channels.
This meeting marks an essential step in reviewing achievements made thus far and exploring new avenues for fruitful cooperation, thereby transforming the momentum gained last year into tangible outcomes.
As Bahrain and Pakistan continue their discussions, observers are keenly awaiting the implications of their commitments, especially concerning regional stability and economic collaboration in the coming months.