Pak, Bahrain to give new dimension to bilateral ties
By Makhdoom Babar

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Bahrain have expressed the resolve to further enhance their multifaceted relationship and increased collaboration in trade, economic, diplomatic and political fields. These views were expressed by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz alongith Crown Prince of Bahrain Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa in a joint news conference after their talks here Wednesday.
Both the leaders said there was complete unanimity of views on major regional and international issues and will continue their efforts for peace, economic development and to resolve issues through mutual dialogue. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said both the countries enjoy historical relationship and these would be expanded in future. He said both the countries are determined to work for peace and harmony as both are peace loving nations.
Mr. Shaukat Aziz said two MoUs signed by Pakistan and Bahrain will strengthen the existing diplomatic relations and help for formulate policies of mutual interest on international issues. He said that he updated the Crown Prince about the ongoing Pakistan-India peace process and the CBMs taken for the resolution of all outstanding issues including Kashmir for the duarable and lasting peace in the region.
To a question, the Crown Prince of Bahrain welcomed the ongoing composite dialogue between Pakistan and India and said all the issues should be resolved through dialogue an keeping in view the aspiration of Kashmir people. He hoped that the Indian prime minister would soon respond to the president general Pervez Musharraf’s suggestion for the solution of the long-standing issue.
Prime minister replying to a question about neighboring Afghanistan said Pakistan desirous of prosperous and stable Afghanistan which is not good for the Pakistan but for the entire region. Responding to a query about withdrawal of the foreign troops from Afghanistan, he said a well thought out policy needed to be devised for the NATO troops withdrawal from the territory, however, he said ‘Cut and Run’ policy should be avoided to keep Afghanistan sending in further turmoil.
Replying to another question, the prime minister said that both Pakistan and Bahrain are bond in brotherly and friendly ties as both shares the similar historical, religion and cultural relationship. He said both the countries have decided to re-activate the Joint Economic Council during the meeting with the Bahrain crown prince with much emphasis laid on the investment and setting up of joint investment companies”, he maintained.
The crown prince said that there were lot of avenue for the investment in Pakistan as the country has extended a number of incentives to the foreign investors. He appreciated the policies of Pakistan which have resulted in tremendous economic growth. He said thousand of Pakistani manpower is working in his country and contributing a lot for the development of Bahrain.
He told that the government of Bahrain has abolished the police ofsponsorship for the import of Pakistani Manpower, making it open aimed at facilitating Pakistanis. Shaikh Sulman said during his meeting with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz discussed various bi-lateral and international issues and found harmony of views. To a question about the elections in Bahrain, he said this was a step towards democracy, however, he said democracy is not restored only by holding elections “We wanted the people hearts and mind open”.