Bahrain visit: PM Sharif calls both countries ‘two souls and one heart’

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday addressed a high-profile gathering in Manama, expressing gratitude to Bahrain’s leadership for the warm and historic welcome extended to him. “Visiting Bahrain feels like coming to our second home,” he remarked, thanking the hosts for their love, respect, and hospitality.

Highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two countries, the Prime Minister said Pakistan and Bahrain are brotherly nations with ties spanning several decades. “We are not two bodies, but two souls and one heart,” he emphasised, underlining the shared cultural bonds and mutual respect that form the foundation of their partnership.

PM Sharif noted that the purpose of his visit is to further strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in economic sectors such as agriculture, IT, artificial intelligence, fintech, and other areas of collaboration. He called for greater engagement with Bahraini business leaders to create new opportunities and joint ventures.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Bahrain, encouraging the transformation of strong diplomatic ties into robust economic cooperation. “Pakistan has the power of youth, and we welcome Bahraini investors to partner with us. We will provide facilities for investment and cooperation in all sectors,” he said.

During his address, Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani community in Bahrain, noting that they sent $484 million in remittances last fiscal year. He also emphasized Pakistan’s interest in learning from Bahrain’s financial expertise and global experience, while noting that the GCC free trade agreement will further elevate bilateral trade relations.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that Pakistan and Bahrain can achieve great successes together, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to enhanced cooperation and shared prosperity.