His Majesty King Hamad yesterday received Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on an official visit to Bahrain, at Gudaibiya Palace.
Upon arrival, accompanied by Pakistan’s First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the President was accorded an official reception. The military band performed the national anthems of Pakistan and Bahrain, and a 21-gun salute was fired in his honour.
His Majesty greeted ministers and senior Bahraini officials while the President was introduced to members of his accompanying official delegation.
Following the reception, His Majesty held a meeting with President Zardari to review the longstanding historical ties between the two countries and the ongoing development of bilateral co-operation aimed at promoting prosperity and well-being for their peoples.
The leaders underscored their commitment to strengthening relations across various fields and enhancing mutual interests.
President Zardari signed the Guests’ Book, expressing his appreciation for his visit to Bahrain and the opportunity to meet His Majesty. This was followed by an extended session of official talks between His Majesty and President Zardari, attended by senior officials from both countries.
The King delivered a speech in which he welcomed the President and his delegation.
He expressed pride in the strong and historic relations that bind Bahrain and Pakistan, relations founded on mutual respect and appreciation, that reflect the close ties rooted in Islamic brotherhood, shared history and common interests.
“We regard this auspicious visit as a significant milestone in strengthening the solid bilateral relations between our two brotherly countries. It underlines our shared commitment to advancing our partnership across various political, economic, commercial, and developmental fields, in a manner that serves the best interests of our two countries and their brotherly peoples,” His Majesty said.
The King praised the honourable positions adopted by Pakistan in support of Bahrain, and expressed appreciation for the valuable contributions of the Pakistani community to the kingdom’s development. He also greatly valued Pakistan’s pivotal role in defending the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations, and its efforts to promote security, peace and stability at both the regional and international levels.
“It also gives us pleasure, on this distinguished occasion, to bestow upon Your Excellency the Order of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the kingdom’s highest Order, as an expression of our profound appreciation for your role and contributions, as well as those of your country,” His Majesty said.
The King wished the President a pleasant stay in Bahrain, and wished his friendly country continued progress, advancement and prosperity.
President Zardari also delivered a speech in which he spoke of his brotherhood with His Majesty. He addressed His Majesty as his brother and described His Majesty’s family as his own family, his brothers, sisters and children, and said that the people of Bahrain are one family, bound together by faith as brothers and sisters.
He said that the world is changing very fast, and reflected that there were times when people did not understand what was happening. He observed that today is a different time, when even the child teaches the teacher what the world is and what it is not.
He said that they must find ways and means of coming together more often, with more understanding, more thinking, and more hope for the future. He stressed that if any Muslim brother is in trouble, then all are in trouble, because it does not stop there but spreads like a domino effect and eventually reaches everyone.
President Zardari said that whether the issue comes in the form of a medical matter, a war, or an insecurity issue, it is absolutely important that people and countries like theirs come together and make sure that one another are safe, because if one is safe, all are safe.
He said that the relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain is a third-generation relationship, not a first-generation one, and that both countries have appreciated one another and will continue interacting with each other. He said that he intends to do anything and everything Bahrain may need, wherever he is able to do so, and that he remains at its service.
He concluded by thanking His Majesty for his kindness and for warmly welcoming him and his delegation, expressing his gratitude and saying that he intended to visit and engage more often in the future.
His Majesty awarded the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (First Class) to the President, in recognition of his efforts in supporting areas of joint co-operation between the two brotherly countries.
His Majesty also hosted a luncheon in honour of the President and the accompanying delegation.
The honour guard mission accompanying the President was headed by Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani.
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