President Asif Ali Zardari met Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Manama on Wednesday. They discussed defence cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities. Regional and global issues were also part of the talks.
The president arrived in Bahrain on Tuesday for a four-day state visit with First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari. He was welcomed with a guard of honour at Al-Qudaibiya Palace. King Hamad conferred the Sheikh Isa Award on Zardari during the meeting.
Read more: President Zardari reaches Bahrain on four-day official visit
Talks also covered support for the Pakistani community in Bahrain. Plans for bilateral collaboration in trade, security, and people-to-people ties were highlighted. Zardari is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who serves as prime minister.
Pres Asif Ali Zardari met 🇧🇭 King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Al-Qudaibiya Palace, Manama. He was accorded a guard of honour. Talks covered trade & investment, defence coop, support for the 🇵🇰 community and regional & global issues. The King conferred Sheikh Isa Award on him. pic.twitter.com/vuMl9atUCn
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 14, 2026
Earlier, Zardari met Bahrain National Guard Commander Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa. The visit aims to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding partnership with the Gulf nation. Economic opportunities and mutual cooperation were emphasized throughout.
Read more: Zardari’s Bahrain visit to cement bilateral ties: envoy
The visit builds on previous engagements, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit in November 2025. Earlier discussions focused on the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement and security cooperation, strengthening regional ties.