ISI chief meets Bahrain's crown prince, discusses regional and international developments: report

Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Muhammad Asim Malik held a meeting with Bahrain’s crown prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on Sunday and discussed ways to enhance cooperation, as well as the latest regional and international developments, according to Bahrain’s state news agency.

Bahrain News Agency reported that the meeting was held at the official royal residence, Riffa Palace.

The report said the crown prince, who is also the commander of Bahrain’s armed forces, “affirmed the depth of the bilateral relations” that “continue to strengthen due to a shared commitment to furthering ties and achieving common goals” between the two countries.

He emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to deepen joint coordination across various fields, contributing to the mutual prosperity and growth of both countries, the report said.

It added that ways to enhance cooperation, the latest regional and international developments, and matters of mutual interest also came under discussion.

The crown prince highlighted Pakistan’s “critical role, alongside its allies, in strengthening the foundations of regional security and stability”.

For his part, the report said, Lt Gen “expressed his gratitude” the crown prince for his commitment to further develop bilateral ties and “wished the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity”.

Bahrain’s minister of the prime minister’s court, finance minister, deputy interior minister, deputy national security adviser and Supreme Defence Council deputy secretary general also attended the meeting, the report said.

Around two weeks ago, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani had also held a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to congratulate Pakistan on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The Foreign Office had said that the Bahraini foreign minister had also expressed intentions to visit Pakistan in the near future during the phone call.

In June, the commander of Bahrain’s National Guard, General Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, had met Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and discussed the strengthening of military collaboration with Pakistan.

The Bahraini official had also met Pakistan’s air and naval chiefs during his visit to Pakistan.