Key Takeaways
- Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to fast-track efforts to finalise the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- A joint working group on trade and investment will be established to facilitate regular consultations.
- The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, agriculture, and IT sectors.
Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to accelerate efforts to finalise the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as discussed during the third session of the Pakistan-Bahrain joint ministerial commission (JMC).
The meeting, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, resulted in a commitment to establish a government-level joint working group on trade and investment.
This group will serve as an institutional mechanism for regular consultations, coordination, and cooperation on bilateral economic ties, aiming to enhance trade and investment flows between the two nations.
The two sides also agreed to move forward with the GCC-Pakistan FTA, with a joint working group on energy scheduled to meet next month to discuss cooperation in oil, gas, and minerals.
Pakistan stressed the importance of maintaining the safety and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-ul-Mandab, highlighting their significance for regional and global food and energy security.
The meeting also covered areas of mutual interest, including industrial development, agriculture, food security, higher education, skills development, IT, logistics, and maritime affairs.
Both countries welcomed stronger interaction between their business communities and reaffirmed their commitment to labour mobility, vocational training, and human resource development.
Beyond bilateral ties, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes and addressing emerging challenges.
On the evolving situation in the Gulf, they stressed restraint, de-escalation, and diplomatic engagement, with Pakistan reaffirming its commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
The talks also covered developments in South Asia, particularly Afghanistan and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), with Pakistan stressing that Afghan territory must not be used for activities against Pakistan.
Pakistan reiterated its position that India’s unilateral decision to place the IWT in abeyance amounted to a material breach of international law and risked turning shared water resources into an instrument of political pressure.
Pakistan and Bahrain had signed the protocol of the third JMC session, reflecting their shared commitment to deepening economic and commercial ties.
Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan
Cooperation would also be strengthened in food security, IT, law enforcement, media, health, education, culture and sports.
Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Minister of Bahrain
