Message by Pakistan Ambassador Saqib Rauf
On the occasion of Pakistan Day, I extend my warmest greetings to all Pakistanis in Bahrain, to our Bahraini brothers and sisters and all residents.
We commemorate Pakistan Day every year as a day when we renew our commitment to the high ideals of our founding leaders, who were guided by universal values of truth, peace and meaningful inclusion. This is a time in history which calls for increasing our commitment to these universal values.
In the last few years, we have witnessed unwarranted aggression by several actors raising questions on the continued validity of rules-based global order. Pakistan has strived to ensure that this rules-based order endures. In these efforts, Pakistan remains reliant on strong and dependable partnerships in the international community. Our relationship with Bahrain stands as a shining example of such partnerships.
Pakistan strongly supports Bahrain’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the current situation in the region. As the chair of the GCC and a member of the UNSC, Bahrain carries an important responsibility to play a key role in addressing the current crisis.
Under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, we are confident that Bahrain will succeed in its efforts.
On this occasion, we express our appreciation for the measures undertaken by the Bahraini government to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, including the establishment of shelter centres for those affected by recent developments. For Pakistanis, Bahrain has always been a second home, and in these challenging times, Bahrain has lived up to that sentiment by extending care and support to those in need.
Even as we reflect on recent developments, we look ahead to further strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and Bahrain. The past year has witnessed a welcome momentum in our ties, reflected in meaningful high-level engagements between our leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif both visited Bahrain to underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to its relationship with Bahrain.
This positive trajectory offers an opportunity to build on our shared vision and deepen co-operation, particularly economic partnership. The two countries must continue to work together to move towards the goal set by our leadership to raise bilateral trade to over $1 billion in the next three years.
There is considerable potential to further strengthen economic co-operation through increased investment, expanded trade, and joint ventures in key sectors such as agriculture, information technology, manufacturing and tourism. Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) provides a streamlined platform for investment in priority areas including agriculture, IT, minerals, energy, industry, tourism and privatisation, offering promising opportunities for Bahraini investors.
There are also meaningful opportunities to enhance collaboration in specialised training and education for our workforce, through partnerships between universities, vocational training institutions and broader knowledge exchange programmes.
As I conclude, I take this opportunity to once again express gratitude to His Majesty and HRH Prince Salman for their continued hospitality and support to our community in Bahrain.
I urge our community members to continue playing an active and constructive role in Bahrain.
As we mark this important day, let us take pride in the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Bahrain, and in the shared history and values that unite us.
Let us carry this spirit forward as we continue working together towards a future defined by co-operation, mutual respect and progress.
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