Pakistani Ambassador Saqib Rauf has affirmed that relations between Pakistan and Bahrain are founded on mutual trust, shared values and close co-operation, noting that economic partnership has become a key pillar of bilateral ties.
The ambassador made the remarks during a visit to the offices of Akhbar Al Khaleej, where he was received by Editor-in-Chief Anwar Abdulrahman and General Manager Abdulmajid Haji.
Ambassador Rauf said bilateral trade currently stands at around $550 million, with the leaderships of both countries aspiring to double the figure to $1 billion in the coming years.
He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to achieving this target by exploring new areas of co-operation, strengthening links between the two business communities and encouraging mutually beneficial investment.
Pakistan is one of Bahrain’s major suppliers of food products, including meat, grains, vegetables and fresh fruits, while Bahrain is an important source of aluminium products, reflecting the natural complementarity between the two economies, he said.
The ambassador noted that economic co-operation is supported by a strong institutional framework comprising 11 joint Bahrain-Pakistan working groups, most of which focus on trade, investment and economic co-operation.
The groups reflect the two countries’ commitment to developing economic ties through continued dialogue and co-ordination.
He added that the chambers of commerce in Bahrain and Pakistan have maintained longstanding and productive relations, helping strengthen trade links and expand economic exchange.
He expressed hope that co-operation would be further broadened to create new opportunities for trade and investment partnerships between the private sectors of both countries.
On investment, Mr Rauf said Bahrain and Pakistan continue to explore opportunities to expand co-operation at government and private-sector levels.
He noted that several Pakistani banks operate in Bahrain and expressed confidence that their number would increase, given the kingdom’s attractive investment environment.
Pakistan is also interested in attracting Bahraini investments in banking, food security and aviation, he said.
Mr Rauf identified aviation as one of the most promising areas of co-operation, noting that more than 20 direct flights are currently operated each week between Bahrain and Pakistan by Gulf Air, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Fly Jinnah.
The flights support business travel, tourism, cargo movement and people-to-people visits, while creating opportunities to expand co-operation in aviation and logistics.
He said the third session of the Bahrain-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission will be held in Islamabad during the second half of this year, with the participation of Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani.
Economic co-operation will top the commission’s agenda, contributing to stronger partnerships in trade, investment and priority sectors, he added.
Mr Rauf said the visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister to Bahrain in November 2025, followed by the visit of Pakistan’s President in January 2026, reflected the strength of bilateral relations.
He expressed his country’s hope to welcome His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to Pakistan in the coming period, stressing that high-level visits provide strong impetus to bilateral co-operation.
The ambassador expressed confidence that the coming period would witness further growth in trade, investment and private-sector partnerships, contributing to economic prosperity and the shared interests of the two friendly peoples.
For his part, the Editor-in-Chief welcomed the Pakistani ambassador, praising the longstanding relations between Bahrain and Pakistan, which are based on mutual respect and fruitful co-operation across various fields.
He said the relationship represents a model of partnership founded on trust and a shared vision for development and prosperity.
He noted that Pakistan plays an important role at regional and international levels and possesses significant economic and human resources, as well as an active role in numerous international issues.
This makes Pakistan an important strategic partner for Bahrain, particularly amid the continued development of bilateral political, economic and investment relations, he said.
He affirmed that Akhbar Al Khaleej would continue to highlight initiatives that strengthen regional and international co-operation and showcase success stories and economic partnerships that contribute to sustainable development.
At the conclusion of the visit, the ambassador toured the Akhbar Al Khaleej visual production studio and viewed its modern technologies.
He also visited the newspaper’s photo exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of its establishment, documenting key milestones witnessed by Bahrain, the region and the world over five decades.
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