ISTANBUL

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met Wednesday with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the capital Manama, where the two leaders discussed regional and international developments and reaffirmed the strength of longstanding ties between their two countries, according to the Bahrain News Agency.

The meeting at Al-Safriya Palace was attended by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

King Hamad said Bahrain values its historic and steadily growing ties with Pakistan, praising Sharif’s efforts to strengthen cooperation and deepen bilateral relations across all fields.

The king underscored Bahrain’s “firm support” for Pakistan’s security and stability and commended Islamabad’s handling of domestic and sovereign affairs. He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s backing of Bahrain’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council.

King Hamad also highlighted Pakistan’s “honorable positions” toward Bahrain and its role in supporting Arab and Islamic causes, as well as its positive contributions to regional and global peace and stability.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed regional and international issues of mutual concern and emphasized the importance of supporting efforts to maintain stability and promote peace in the region and beyond.

Sharif thanked King Hamad for the warm reception and hospitality, praising the monarch’s commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation. He said Pakistan is eager to further expand its partnership with Bahrain across several sectors.