Pakistan keen to strengthen relations with Bahrain: PM Raja

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Pakistan attaches great importance and keen to strengthen its relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
During his meeting with King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah on the sidelines of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit here Wednesday, the premier said that the two countries enjoy close, cordial and friendly relations based on mutual trust and understanding.
Raja Pervez Ashraf commended King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah’s endevour to promote understanding among various segments of society and resolved the problems of his people through dialogue. Pakistan Diaspora is significantly contributing to the development and progress in Bahrain both in public and private sectors, he added.
He said that 65,000-strong Pakistani expatriate community in Bahrain is an asset for both the countries. He also thanked the Kingdom for taking care of the Pakistani community.
Raja Pervez Ashraf said that economic and trade relation between the two countries have been steadily improving. However, it is well below the real potential and it is the need of the hour to improve this by availing existing opportunities.
In this respect it is important to hold meetings of Bilateral Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commission as they are long overdue.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has been working for an early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with GCC and expressed the desire to further strengthening Defense Cooperation.
Raja Pervez Ashraf also extended an invitation to King of Bahrain to visit Pakistan which he accepted. Pakistan is his second home, King of Bahrain said and thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their continued support.